Teenage goalkeeper Lucas Thomas has joined Southern League Premier Division South side Gosport Borough on a youth loan, replacing team-mate Henry Blackledge at the Hampshire club following the Australian keeper's return to The Brache through a finger injury.

The 17-year-old, who signed his first professional contract last May after helping the Town youth team to a league and cup double, has been a regular in the Hatters' first team matchday squad over the past 18 months while still playing regularly for the Under-18s and 21s.

Gaining valuable experience training and travelling alongside goalkeeper coach Kevin Pilkington and the senior keepers, Lucas was named on the bench for the first time in League One for the New Year's Day trip to Exeter, and has also featured on Vertu Trophy teamsheets against Brighton U21s and Swindon this term.

The Bedford boy came through the Luton Town Community Trust's Player Development Centre in Kempston from the age of seven before joining the Hatters Academy as an Under-10, and progressing through the age groups to sign his first professional contract as soon as he turned 17.

Good luck on your first loan, Lucas!