User:Jjjimg/Adam Watkins

Adam Watkins (born 8 September 1991) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Conference National side Luton Town F.C..

Youth career
Born in Luton, Bedfordshire, Watkins joined the youth ranks of his hometown club in 2005 at U13 level. He is a self-confessed Luton Town fan and season-ticket holder.

Club career
Watkins came to first-team prominence during the 2009-10 pre-season when he played in Luton's tour of Devon in the South West Challenge Cup campaign. He made several appearances, impressing then-manager Mick Harford with his progress, "He has worked hard throughout the summer. He has come back very fit and looked sharp... He is technically very good. He is a young kid and he has been given an opportunity and I hope he takes it."

Watkins made his debut in the FA Cup third round on 2 January 2010 against Southampton, coming on as a substitute for Adam Newton in Luton's 1-0 defeat at the St Mary's Stadium.

He was sent on loan to Southern League Division One Central side Arlesey Town in March 2010.

In June 2010, Watkins signed his first professional contract with Luton.

He was sent back on loan to Arlesey near the start of the 2010–11 season, returning to Luton in early January 2011.

Watkins' first goal for the Hatters came on the 15 January 2011 in a FA Trophy tie against Uxbridge. He scored twice on his full debut, including once from a penalty, as the Hatters went on to win 4-0. He made three further substitute league appearances during the 2010–11 season.

Watkins was sent on loan to Harrow Borough of the Isthmian League Premier Division in March 2011, but reportedly failed to appear at the club for his first game. He did not take part in any further games for Harrow.

During pre-season for the 2011–12 campaign, Watkins drew praise from manager Gary Brabin for his performances against strong opposition.

Watkins scored on his full league debut for Luton Town, a 5–1 win at Kenilworth Road against Southport on 20 August 2011. The goal came in the 41st minute when he collected the ball 30 yards out and proceeded to dribble past two midfielders as he advanced on goal, unleashing a shot from the edge of the penalty area that flew in the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Watkins signed a two-year contract with the Hatters in August 2011. On signing the new deal he commented "I'm obviously delighted. I love this club. I feel I'm playing well but there's more to come." Thrilled at Watkins signing his new contract, manager Gary Brabin stated "Adam was our stand-out player pre-season and has continued that into the season with a terrific goal and performance against Southport. This club has a fantastic proven track record of developing and nuturing young talent and Adam is another off of our production line."

Watkins scored his fifth league goal of the 2011-12 season on the 3 March 2012 at Kenilworth Road against Bath City. Watkins came on in the second half, his twenty-seventh league appearance of the season, to score Luton Town's second from the edge of the penalty area in a 2-0 victory over the Romans.

International career
Watkins’ presence in the Luton side in the opening matches of the 2011–12 season did not go unnoticed, and in August 2011 he was handed a call-up to the England C squad for a friendly with India U23. However, the game was cancelled shortly afterwards.

Watkins made his England C debut on 15 November 2011 away to Gibraltar. He came on as a substitute at the beginning of the second half in a 3–1 defeat.

Watkins was selected in the England C squad to face Italy at the end of February 2012. He will be Luton Town's only representative as England C start their International Challenge Trophy campaign in Fleetwood Town's Highbury stadium on the 28 February 2012. England C manager Paul Fairclough said about Watkins "I think he has matured. He is not the boy he was any more. He has matured, there’s no question about that....He has grown as a person and as a player. That’s why he has been picked for this really important game."

In front of a full house at Highbury Stadium Watkins came on as a second half sub to save the day for England C against Italy, scoring the equaliser in the third minute of injury time with a looping volley from just outside the penalty area. Watkins' first goal at international level on the 28 February 2012 ensured England C started their International Challenge Trophy campaign with a 1-1 draw with Italy.

After Watkins successful contribution in the International Challenge Trophy tie against Italy Luton Town manager Gary Brabin said about Watkins "He's like a young Frank Lampard." Watkins is also eligible to play for Wales through one of his grandfathers.