Keeper Conundrum

JOHN Sheridan admits choosing the goalkeeper for Argyle’s opening game of the season at Southend on August 3 will be a difficult decision.

The pre-season form of Jake Cole, last season’s number one, and of Luke McCormick, back for a second Home Park spell, has confirmed what many thought might be the case - and John surely hoped would be - i.e. that the Pilgrims have two quality custodians.

Each has played one half of all Argyle’s home matches so far in the build-up to the 2013-14 Sky Bet League 2 campaign, and neither has been found wanting.

Luke, 29, began Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Milton Keynes Dons, with 27-year-old Jake coming on at half-time. That pattern, or the reverse, will be repeated in the Pilgrims’ final pre-season game against Yeovil on Saturday.

John said: “I’m looking at both of them and it’s going to be hard for me to make a decision for the first game.

“They are very evenly matched; they both work well together; and they want each other to do well. It’s good to have competition - it ups each other’s game.

“Again, next week against Yeovil, they will probably play half a game each and then I’ll make a decision for the first game.

“They know what I’m like. I don’t pick any favourites – I pick who I think should be playing.

“Jake did very well in my short time here when I came last year, and Luke’s come in to prove himself again – he’s been here before and was an excellent ’keeper.

“We’ve got two good ’keepers. Whoever plays, I have full confidence they can do well for the team.”