Jason's Pilgrim Mates

ARGYLE supporters in the Crystal Palace dressing-room helped ease Jason Banton’s loan move to Argyle – not that the Pilgrims’ new signing needed much persuading.

Palace manager Ian Holloway recommended Home Park to the 20-year-old winger, who is set to make his bow at home to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

“I spoke to the gaffer and assistant manager Keith Millen and they stressed the fact that Plymouth wanted me to come here and play, and that I would get games.

“They said it was a good club and there is a good relationship between the two clubs, so I thought: ‘Yes. It’s a must’.”

Not only that, but the Eagles’ former Pilgrim Yala Bolasie also gave the club big licks.

“He’s one of my good friends,” said Jason, “and I spoke to Darcy Blake, who had a loan spell here. They both gave good references about the club.”

Argyle manager John Sheridan has spoken of his new signings bringing a lift to the Pilgrims’ dressing-room.

“That’s a big thing at the age of 20,” said Jason, “but I’m sure I’m more than capable of coming here from a great club like Palace and showing something a bit different.

“I’m right-footed, but play on the left wing. I can go either outside or in and I’m pretty quick. I’ve got a few tricks, as well.”

Although Jason has only recently made his first-team debut, he has a cv which takes in some of the country’s biggest clubs.

He said: “I started at Arsenal – I’m from North London – and moved on to Blackburn, where I did my first year as a scholar as well as the Under-16s.

“Then I moved to Liverpool, where I had a good education from Rodolfo Borrell, who’s now with the first team under Brendan Rogers.

“Then I came to Crystal Palace and made my debut in the FA Cup against Stoke last month. That was a tough game to make a debut in, but it was good.

“Now I want to further my football education at Plymouth and help the club in the best way possible.”