Tyler's Big Day

TYLER Harvey came of age on Tuesday – the 21st player to be given an Argyle debut in Cal Fletcher’s managerial reign.

The 17-year-old apprentice, a stand-out forward in this year’s youth-team, came on as a second-half substitute at the Coral Windows Stadium, and did not let anybody down.

 

“He fitted in, like we knew he would,” said Fletch.

 

“We’re wary of his age but he got hold of the ball and kept it for us, like we expected him to.

 

“He’s scoring regularly for the youth team, so his confidence is really high and it was great for the young lad to come on and get his debut.

 

“We’re pleased for him. He’s a Plymouth lad and I think all of his family are local, too.”

 

Fletch has never been averse to giving youth its head. Among those who flourished last season was Matt Lecointe, another local product.

 

This season has not been so happy for a player whose eye-catching displays in the Pilgrims’ first team helped win him an England Under-18 international cap.

 

 “I think Matt’s been a bit unfortunate this year,” said Fletch of the player who turned 18 last month. “He’s just picked up a number of niggly injuries and he’s missed a fair chunk of the season.

 

“It’s just one of those things and it’s going to happen when you’re younger and you’re still growing.

 

“Matty’s a good player and he’s got plenty of time on his hands. When you’re young and you’re injured, you’re not training all of the time and you’re not in games, it’s a learning experience for the future so it will benefit him in the long run.

 

“It’s something that you’ve just got to take on board as a footballer that you’re not always going training everyday and play every weekend.

 

“There’s going to be times when you’re going to have to sit out and you’ve just got to deal with that situation.”