YOUNG defender Gary Sawyer is continuing to impress Argyle manager Ian Holloway with his performances in training and with the reserves.

Holloway revealed that Sawyer will be on the bench for the Championship trip to Southend on Saturday following his excellent mid-week performance in the 3-0 Pontins League win over Swansea.

Sawyer's run of form has come at the ideal time with Mathias Doumbe suffering from a knee injury that has ruled him out of the Southend game.

"At the moment, Gary Sawyer will be substitute on Saturday," said Holloway.

"I thought he was terrific in the reserves the other day and it will not be long before he is in the first-team if he keeps defending like that.

"I love what he does and I think he is getting better all the time. I am delighted he signed a new deal and it will not be long before he is in the team.

"The kid is flying and I also thought Luke Summerfield and Dan Gosling were terrific as well."

Holloway also conceded that he would be reluctant to allow Sawyer to follow young striker Reuben Reid out on loan.

Reid is in his second month of a spell with Conference side Kidderminster Harriers, while local rivals Torquay United have expressed an interest in Sawyer.

"I would lose him for 28 days," said Holloway.

"I was lucky with Reuben because I knew I had cover but with Matty Doumbe's knee blowing up, it was a bit dodgy to let Sawyer go out.

"He was wanted by Torquay and I might have done that for his development. The two years he had on loan at Exeter has brought him on leaps and bounds."