In Position

THE Green Army is on standby for their first sight of new recruit Matt Parsons this weekend.

Left-back Matt joined the Pilgrims from Crystal Palace last Friday and watched from the substitutes’ bench as Argyle lost 3-0 at Rochdale 24 hours later.

The 22-year-old was back in action in a private full-scale practice midweek match and is in manager John Sheridan’s thoughts for Saturday’s Sky Bet League 2 encounter with Cheltenham Town at Home Park.

“He played an hour in the reserves,” said John “and I was pleased by the way he played. He came through fine.”

With Durrell Berry’s groin injury having ruled him out for a month, teenager Ben Purrington has impressed in the left-back position.

“Ben’s done really well there,” said John, “but Durrell’s injured at the moment and I felt that I needed to bring someone into that area so they’ll be pushing for a starting place.

“Durrell ’s had a scan. It’s a grade one [tear] so it’s going to be at least four [weeks], I should imagine.”

Another member of the back four, Guy Branston is also unavailable for the visit of the Robins, and beyond.

“He has that calf niggle what kept him out of pre-season for three weeks again,” said John. “We tried to train him at the start of the week, but it just aggravated [the injury] and he’ll be out for about three weeks.”

He midweek match also saw a surprise role for another of the Pilgrims’ talented teenagers, Tyler Harvey, who is normally a striker.

“I played Tyler in midfield,” said John, “because I think he can play there. He’s got the attributes to play there. I thought he did alright.”