SCOTT Neilson could be just the kind of "maverick" talent to give Grimsby Town the lift they need at Luton – especially after yesterday's off the field events.
Paul Hurst – now in sole charge of the Mariners after yesterday's shock announcement – has hinted that the winger could play some part in this afternoon's televised clash at Kenilworth Road.
So far, Neilson, who joined the Hatters on loan after leaving Town last season, has been on the periphery of the Town squad since his summer return to Blundell Park.
Through a combination of fitness issues and niggling injuries, the 26-year-old has been restricted to only one start, which came in the opening day draw with Aldershot.
But after showing signs of a return to his best in training, Hurst believes Neilson could provide just the spark Town need as they bid to bounce back from last week's loss against Nuneaton.
He told the Telegraph: "Scott is a character that likes to get on the ball and I certainly don't think he'll shy away. There's signs that he is fitter, he's picking the ball up and going past people in training which is encouraging.
"It's against one of his former clubs and he might relish that challenge because I certainly don't think Luton saw the best of him – only when he was in a Grimsby shirt!
"On the coaching courses that I've been on over the years, a lot of the discussion was about having a maverick – like Scott – in your side.
"Do you give them a license that you perhaps wouldn't give other players?
"Yes, you are trying to create a team ethic and why should one player be able to get away with something that the other wouldn't.
"But ultimately, if he can do something that 99 per cent of your other players can't do, why not utilise it?
"It's the balancing act that you have. The top teams often have those kinds of players.
"In terms of him playing, yes he could be the type of player to give us a lift but whether today is the right time to do that is something that we'll be debating."
On the clash with John Still's men, Hurst added: "Luton are one of the best sides in the league in terms of the players they have and they've been in that position for a few years."
"They'll always have some of the best players in this division but it's whether it jells for them.
"We know it's going to be a difficult task but I know that we've got at our football club and that's what irks me about the Nuneaton game – that performance isn't what we're all about.
"For us, it's about putting that right today."
