Lewis Emanuel will celebrate his 25th birthday back at Valley Parade. The former Hanson School pupil, who came up through the City ranks, faces his old club on Saturday for the second time since heading south two years ago.

Emanuel was in the Brentford side which won at City last November and he will be hoping to make it a double with Luton to make his birthday bash go with an extra swing.

Emanuel, who will be cheered on by several family members, said: "I don't know what reception I'll get. When I was at Brentford and played against them I got booed a bit, which I didn't expect.

"We need the three points and hopefully we'll get them there but it will be a tough game because they've got a good crowd and have started well."

Emanuel was switched around during his City days and Hatters boss Mick Harford has used him at both full back and in midfield.

He is most likely to slot in at left back as Marc Pugh reverts to his usual left-wing role to accommodate target man Sam Parkin's return from a back problem.

Luton are keeping their fingers crossed on Parkin and former Leeds midfielder Kevin Nicholls, who has been out with an injured hamstring, to add some much-needed experience to the ranks.

Last week's team which drew 1-1 with Chester had an average age of just 21. It also included five loan players as Town beg and borrow in their desperate fight for survival.