Cambridge United youngster Glenn McConnell praised for ‘outstanding’ performance during 3-1 win over Luton Town in Vertu Trophy

Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris was delighted to see Glenn McConnell have such a significant impact on a first-team fixture following his starring role in this evening’s 3-1 win over Luton Town in the Vertu Trophy.

As one of the key figures in the Under-18s’ club-record run to the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals in 2023, the hope was that the playmaker would be able to take those performances into the senior side.

However, a succession of injuries has limited his availability in recent seasons – with tonight’s clash being the 20-year-old’s first start for the club in almost 12 months.

And he marked the occasion with an outstanding equalising goal from distance, as well as setting up Elias Kachunga’s first of two goals on the night.

Harris said: “He was outstanding. Glenn has not played a lot of football over the last three years. I’ve worked with Glenn now for just over 10 months as his head coach, that’s one of the first times I’ve seen him play a game of football.

“We’ve had to be really careful with Glenn and really support him. He’s had to be really patient himself and since day one of pre-season, he’s known what the plan is. Tonight he’s got his reward.

“The amount of loan opportunities we’ve turned down for Glenn, or the thought process about throwing him in, but we thought it was too early. He just had to build up a loading programme, he’s had to train intensely for week after week to try and make sure that when he steps into the group that he’s ready to go.

“Tonight, like I said, he got his reward and his all-round performance was superb.”