ADAM Chicksen credits Luton boss Nathan Jones with making him a stronger player - and intends to show that tonight.

The pair meet for the first time since they were together at Brighton when City face the fourth-placed Hatters at Kenilworth Road.

Jones was Brighton’s first-team coach when Chicksen played for the Seagulls and also had spells in caretaker charge.

The Bantams left back is not surprised to see the Welshman enjoying a successful hot-seat spell with Luton, where he has been in charge since January 2016.

Chicksen said: “I always knew he’d step into management. He was great with me, so demanding and wanted the young lads to improve.

“I saw him as a leader so I had no doubt he’d be successful. He’s got a great mindset for a manager.

“He is aggressive with how he wants to play and wants people in the box. He’s a winner and wants to do that with scoring goals.

“It’s not going to be an easy night but we have got men all round the pitch who can handle whatever you throw at us.”

Luton boast the best home record in the division with 23 points from nine games. They have also scored 23 goals – six more than anyone else.

But the Bantams head south boosted by that much-needed win over Oxford – a result that has lifted the mood in the dressing room.

“If you put a speaker in here, the volume would go to 10,” smiled Chicksen. “There’s nothing better than walking back in after a win.

“But I felt it coming over the last few games. Standards have been raised and I think we deserved that.

“Since Portsmouth, performances have been there throughout the team. We’ve been working hard for the last few weeks and that’s what has got us results.

“We’re going to have to show up. Luton will come with a lot of attacking force but it’s nothing we can’t handle.

“We’re not scared of anyone in this league, we’ve shown that against the big teams.

“You can sense a real feel of togetherness now. That takes time but you’re starting to see everyone gel and I think that is showing in the performances.”

The added know-how of Paul Caddis and Karl Henry to the team is also making an impact in Chicksen’s eyes – as well as putting a youthful spring in his step.

He added: “It’s nice not to feel my hair is going grey. You see a few older lads and start to feel young again!

“But it’s good to have a few who have been there and done that. Every team needs people who have been around the block and know the game inside out.

“The younger lads can learn stuff that they may not know – even me.”