DAVID McNamee's return to fitness and form has sparked a defensive dilemma for Head Coach Paul Mariner.

McNamee was superb as a substitute in Saturday's defeat to Crystal Palace, giving Mariner the option of returning emergency right-back Karl Duguid to the midfield engine room.

The other factor for Mariner is the option to offer fresh loan deals to Cardiff's Darcy Blake and Manchester United's David Gray, both of whom operate at right-back.

"We have got something of a dilemma in that David McNamee has got himself fit and is pushing very hard," said Mariner.

"He is a very athletic lad and he's worked very hard in training. As you can see when he comes on, he does make an impact, so it gives us options.

"Karl's done an unbelievable job at right-back and, equally, he brings a lot of energy to midfield, so it's a nice bonus for us."

Meanwhile, moves to secure a new loan deal for Australian defender Shane Lowry have hit a stumbling block.

Lowry is currently competing in the Asian Cup for Australia but his parent-club, Aston Villa, have rebutted Argyle's advances for a new deal when he returns.

"Shane, I believe, is still away for the Asian Cup," said Mariner. "We've had some communication with Villa and they have a lot of games coming up.

"We've been told that they're not looking to let people go out, which is quite understandable."