However, no signings have been made and Newell will be forced to choose between Calvin Andrew and Enoch Showunmi.
17-year old Calvin Andrew has impressed in the youth team this year, with a total of 17 goals in 12 games, and Newell admitted himself that he is a similar sort of player to Howard, which may give him the edge. Calvin made his league debut on Tuesday night in the defeat at Brentford.
But there is still the possibility of fans favourite Enoch Showunmi starting the match. Enoch was a revelation at the end of last season, scoring a total of 7 goals, including a second half hat-trick at home to Brentford and a stunning free-kick against Blackpool. He was no stranger to awards either, winning the clubs player of the month award for February and a divisional player of the month award for February. Enoch is also the only current Luton player to have an unofficial fans website dedicated solely to him!
Other than the replacement of Howard, Chris Coyne and Ahmet Brkovic will be trying to shake off knocks picked up against Brentford to be in contention for tomorrows clash, and Kevin Foley might be chosen if he passes a fitness test, but Keith Keane's recent performances against ex-Premiership players have meant that there is no point in putting Foley back in the team before he is ready.
Luton would fancy their chances against a Port Vale side which has been devastated with injuries. Their situation is so bad that they had to play their youth coach Andy Porter in Tuesday's clash with Tranmere, and they also picked up two new injuries that day. However, Luton will have to watch out, as Port Vale beat second-placed Tranmere 3-1, and will not be intending to just make up the numbers at Kenilworth Road tomorrow.