Blade Runners

Argyle manager John Sheridan believes that his side can get something out of Argyle’s FA Cup 2nd round tie...

...when the Pilgrims take on Sheffield United away at Bramall Lane.

Taking on opposition a division higher does not faze John, as his Argyle side have already met Sky Bet League 1 opposition on three occasions this season.

Argyle first touched gloves with a team from a tier above when the Greens took on Leyton Orient at Home Park in the Capital One Cup, a game which Argyle eventually lost on penalties, after drawing 3-3 at the end of extra time.

John’s second meet with League 1 opponents came in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, this time in the shape of promotion hopefuls Swindon Town. Argyle won that tie 3-2 progressing into the next round of the cup to face Coventry City, who beat Argyle 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena.

“We have performed really well, and in each game, we’ve matched them," said Sheridan.

“We’ll go into it and it’ll be a really tough game, they’re a good team. It will be good to see where we are.

“I’ve told the players, go there and express yourself; believe and go and perform.”

With the prospect of Premier League opposition awaiting Argyle in the next round, John feels his squad are excited ahead of Saturday’s game.

The Argyle manager admitted League success remains top priority, the intention is very much to pick a strong side that he feels can see the Pilgrims progress into the third round.

“I’m going to put a team out who will hopefully win us the game," said John.

“The league is our priority, but we want to go as far as we can in the FA Cup. We want to go and try and win the game and give a good account of ourselves.

“It’s good for the players to go there and test themselves against one of the teams who I think will get out of the division.”

Last week saw the absence of the recently ever-present Carl McHugh, as Argyle fell to a late draw against York City. Carl has been ruled out of Saturday’s game due to an injury sustained on his calf. The York game also marked the re-arrival of Saturday’s goal scorer, Bobby Reid. The Bristol City loanee has not been given permission from Robins boss Steve Cotterill to feature for Argyle in the FA Cup.

John admitted that there are “just one or two little knocks. I’ll assess them this week.

“I know my team now.”