Reece Burke made his return from injury and scored the winner on New Years Day at the John Smith’s Stadium, popping up in a forward position and scoring in style with six minutes remaining.

It was no less than Luton had deserved as they moved into fifth place in the Sky Bet Championship ahead of a break from league action next week.

“Full credit to the players and all the staff as well, Edwards said after the match. “They have worked extremely hard to make sure the players are in as good a condition as possible to go and deliver and get nine points.

“A massive credit to the players, massive credit to the staff and massive credit to the supporters who have made a long journey on New Years Day. I’m really pleased we’re sending them home happy.

“We found a way to win. I was really pleased after a slow start I thought we gradually grew into and it was great timing to get the equaliser when we did. We felt at 1-1 in the second half there wasn’t much in the game, Louie was getting a bit tighter, so I thought let’s make an attacking change and go for it. Cauley coming on gave us another little spark as well, so we went for it and then it was a centre-back that got the goal!”

On Burke, who has been out of action since late September, the boss said: “It’s brilliant for him. He’s been frustrated because he’s got close to being back and then just had a little setback. He’s worked really, really hard and we needed him today.

“We thought we might because of the number of games in the amount of days. Alfie started to tighten up so we knew the change we were going to make and huge credit to him. To come into that game and defend is one thing but to actually break forward, it was a brilliant goal.”