In The Right Lane

JOHN Sheridan will not be afraid to tell Argyle apprentice Ryan Lane: “You’re hired.”

The 16-year-old leftie impressed again after coming on as a second-half substitute in the Pilgrims’ 0-0 draw at Bath on Tuesday, leading John to suggest that he may keep him in the squad for Sunday’s home game against Milton Keynes Dons.

“He looked the most comfortable player,” said John, after the Twerton Park stalemate, “and I’m not just saying that because he is 16.

“The thing I like about him is he walks on the pitch and he struts around like he’s a good player. Not in a bad way. I like that in someone.

“I like the way he wants and feels for the ball.  He played two-touch all night and he didn’t give the ball away once.

If he gets that that in his game, and he’s got that little arrogance – as a footballer, not as a person – when he steps on a football pitch, I think he’ll do well.”

Although a first-year apprentice, Cornish youngster Ryan has been on the radar of John, his assistant Gary Owers, and Academy head Kevin Hodges for some time.

John said: “I’ve seen him play; Gary speaks very highly of him; and Kevin has, when he’s in the youth team. Even when he first came and trained with [the first team], I liked the look of him.

“He caresses the ball and plays it simple. He’s got something in his game and he’s a nasty thing when he wants to be. I like that in a young footballer. You have got to have belief in yourself.

“He’s left-footed and can play left side, but I think I like him in the middle of the park. I won’t be frightened of involving him in the MK Dons game.

“I’ve told everyone ‘If you want to be in the team, impress me’. It doesn’t matter who I bring in, or who I’ve signed, I want everyone hungry to be in the team.”