Cambridge United out to keep Luke Berry quiet

U's head coach ready to face Luton midfielder

Shaun Derry has praised Luke Berry as Cambridge United prepare to face their former talisman when they take on Luton Town on Saturday (November 18).

The 25-year-old midfielder made the switch from the Cambs Glass Stadium to Kenilworth Road for an undisclosed fee in the final week of the transfer window in August.

Berry had been an influential figure for the U’s in his second spell at the club, proving prolific in front in of goal after being moved into the No 10 role by Derry.

“From my angle, Luke was absolutely unbelievable for me,” said the U’s head coach. “From when I took over [with Luke] as a holding midfielder, and him having the joys of two seasons under us playing as a No 10, I think he got something like 36 goals, hence the move.

“He is Luton’s player now, and we fully respect that.

“I think what we will show is the respect that Luke deserves; he was brilliant for me absolutely, every single day.”

Berry has established himself in Luton’s starting line-up, scoring a hat-trick against Stevenage in October, and Derry believes the midfielder is more than capable of playing higher up the pyramid.

“I watched him last week against Portsmouth and I thought he played well,” said Derry. “I will be surprised if he is at League Two for any more time than what he needs to be.

“For me, he is a player that should be plying his trade at a higher level.”

And the U’s players know what to expect from the former fans’ favourite.

“They have trained with him day in, day out and we know the strengths of Luke,” said Derry.

“We have to make sure we are absolutely on top of our game and we have to have a game plan for Luke, and not just him but 10 others players, and we will do.”