The winger put pen to paper on a long-term deal this week having impressed manager Rob Edwards with his wholehearted performances and top-flight experience since arriving in October.

And now, with the Town one point from safety with a game in hand, attention now turns on the second half of the season with all eyes on survival.

“I said after the defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City that those two results could be the best thing that ever happened to us,” said Townsend.

“That was because how close we pushed ourselves against the best sides in Europe. Those performances gave us belief we can go and beat teams like Sheffield United and Newcastle. We lost to Chelsea, but from Burnley and beyond we can really take confidence.

“It’s a special, special football club. I think we can really achieve something special this season. It’s only half-way done, we’ve got six months – 19 games – to pull off the unthinkable.”

On signing extended terms, Townsend added: “It’s personally been a great few months for me, first and foremost for playing, and being at Luton Town and being part of the fairytale – being part of that journey is special.

“I don’t think there was any way I was going to leave half-way through and I’m glad I can finish the job here.”

The new deal also completes a personal turnaround for the 32-year-old who had found it difficult to find a club having not made a senior appearance since featuring for Everton in March 2022.

“Three months ago I thought my career was over,” he added. “So from going to begging around the world just for a trial to being offered a longer contract is a dream come true.”