'Missy told me how proud she was'

Luton Town midfielder Liam Walsh dedicated his side's Vertu Trophy win at Wembley to his partner Missy Bo Kearns after they recently lost their baby through miscarriage.

The Aston Villa and England women's player was among a group of about 30 family and friends who were at the national stadium to watch Walsh play in Sunday's 3-1 win over Stockport County.

"I had two minutes (with her) on the way up to (collect) the trophy. I didn't say much because I was that tired but she told me how proud she was," he told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"She was the first person I saw in the crowd when I got here two hours before kick-off and it meant the world to me."

Walsh said the support of family and friends had given him the strength to go out and perform on the big stage.

"Not matter what, we're there for each other - and my work colleagues, the gaffer [Jack Wilshere], every single day, the support's there, and with the lads behind me I can go on to do whatever I want," he added.

Luton will now turn their attention to trying to secure a place in the League One play-offs - they are six points away from the top six with five games remaining, the first at home to Northampton Town on Wednesday.

"We had a little team talk on the pitch at the end with the gaffer and the first thing he said was 'we've got that feeling of winning at Wembley and we want to be back here'," Walsh said.