The role of a substitute is to enter the game and make an impression – well, one Luton player certainly did that.

The Hatters were facing Oxford United in the Championship and despite twice taking the lead, found themselves with the scores level at 2-2.

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With 14 minutes of normal time left, Rob Edwards made a double change which included the introduction of Liam Walsh, an all-action central midfielder.

While the 27-year-old was clearly keen to make an impression, he was perhaps a little bit too keen as he was given his marching orders just 36 seconds after entering the fray.

Going for a 50-50 ball in the middle of the park, Walsh lunged two-footed at Siriki Dembele to leave the winger in a crumpled heap on the turf.

While Luton’s players tried to argue his case, it was futile with the midfielder given a straight-red for serious foul play.

Walsh was making just his sixth appearance for Luton after joining the club from Swansea City over the summer.

Having progressed through Everton‘s youth academy, Walsh has also notably played for Birmingham City, Coventry and Bristol City.

If making an impression was the aim, he certainly managed to do just that.

Fans did, however, see the funny side of his sending off.

One fan took to X, describing it as the “world’s worst cameo.”

Another supporter concluded: “Good impact by Luton’s Liam Walsh. Sent off for a two-footed lunge 36 seconds after coming on. Doubt he touched the ball.”

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Meanwhile a third fan simply wrote: “Go hard or go home,” two things that Walsh certainly did.

With Luton down to ten men, Oxford pushed hard to try and get the winner, but a resilient Hatters defence managed to see the game out for a valuable point.

Having suffered relegation from the Premier League last term, Luton will be determined to secure an instant return to the top-flight.

However it’s been a tough transition back to EFL life for Edwards’ side who took just one point from their first four games back in the Championship.

While back to back wins in September saw them move out of the relegation zone, the Hatters are still struggling in 18th position in the table with eight points from eight games.

Meanwhile Oxford, who were promoted from League One last term, currently sit 12th in the table having picked up 11 points so far.