BONDZ N'Gala has made an instant impression with his sheer presence on the Argyle training ground.

The powerful defender arrived on loan from West Ham last week and head coach Paul Mariner is delighted to finally have some cover for Kári Árnason and Réda Johnson.

"If you look at his presence, he's a fearsome looking character," said Mariner.

"He is a tremendous header of the ball, a good defender and when you're in the arena of the Championship and balls are being lashed in your box, you need people in there to get it out.

"It's no secret that we've been light in the central defensive area, so we've strengthened that."

Mariner has also been boosted by the return to finess of Johnson in the midweek win over Bristol City.

The Benin international produced an awesome display of heading against City's huge Austrian striker Stefan Maierhofer.

"The lad Maierhofer was a bit of a handful upstairs but Réda was towering above him," said Mariner. "I've never seen him head the ball better and he cares about what he's doing."

The other central defensive option available to Mariner comes from natural full-back Chris Barker, who has again impressed with his stoic displays in recent weeks.

"It has been what I expect from Barks," said Mariner. "He is a competitor and this is what he does.

"As I've said previously, if you can play more than position in a Championship team, you are very valuable. He trains hard and gets on with his work."