Pleat managed Hartson at Luton from 1992 until his sale to Arsenal in 1995

Former Luton manager David Pleat told BBC Three Counties Radio he was "very upset" at the news ex-Hatters striker John Hartson has cancer.

He said: "John will take the treatment and work very hard, having already had a few upsets in his career.

"His family and all those who played with him in football will be very supportive," added Pleat.

Hartson is having hospital treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer that has spread to his brain.

Pleat says he still regrets not playing Hartson in the 1994 FA Cup semi-final, against Chelsea, at Wembley.

"It might have turned the game," he said.

"We thought it might be too big a theatre for him, and left him out. We started with Kerry Dixon that day.

"Luton Town played a small part in Hartson's formative years, helping him build his character," he added.

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