Derby County host Luton Town at Pride Park on Friday and one player who will be keen to make an impression is Hatters goalkeeper Simon Sluga.
The Croatian shot-stopper joined Luton for £1.5 million in the summer of 2019.
Sluga was a record signing for the Hatters, and Nathan Jones’ side reportedly fought off strong competition for his signature from fellow Championship clubs.
According to Goal, Derby were among those chasing his signature while Premier League outfit Sheffield United were also looking at signing the former NHK Rijeka man.
Luton ultimately won the race, with Derby signing Ben Hamer on loan.
Sluga’s first appearance at Pride Park last season will be one he no doubt wants to forget. A routine back-pass slide under his foot to give Derby the lead in comical fashion, while Tom Lawrence later scored from a bizarre angle as the Rams ran out 2-0 winners.
The 28-year-old will be hoping he can fare much better this time around.
Sluga has made 30 Championship starts for Luton this season. He has proven to be a solid number one at Kenilworth Road and has international recognition for his efforts.
Derby head into the encounter looking to pull away from the relegation zone.
Manager Wayne Rooney faces a potential selection headache regarding his own goalkeepers, with David Marshall and Kelle Roos both vying for the number one spot.
Marshall’s injury allowed Roos to establish himself as the number one over the past month, but the Scot’s return to fitness could see him recalled to the side on Friday.
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