On Target

MORE goals from the skipper; more fitness from the new signing...

...those are the requirements from Argyle manager John Sheridan before the Pilgrims headed to Rochdale for Saturday’s Sky Bet League 2 fixture.

John was unequivocal in his praise for Argyle captain Conor Hourihane in the wake of Tuesday’s FA Cup with Budweiser exit at the hands of Port Vale, a match for which transfer-window capture Jason Banton was unavailable after his comeback game at home to Southend last week.

“His performance was outstanding, as a midfield player and all round,” said John, of Conor. “As a captain, he led by example.

“I’m giving him one or two things as a midfield player to try and hopefully make him better because I do believe, when I first came, he had faults in his game but I think he has improved.

“I think he’s got it in his locker to score a few more goals; he’s got a great left foot and usually, when he has a chance, he takes it. The other night he was getting beyond midfield and causing the defence problems.

“He’s in [central midfield] with Dom [Blizzard] and I don’t want them going too gung-ho. I do think we need to be disciplined, but I feel he can score more goals.”

Jason is also expected to get among the goals, but John is willing to be patient with his new signing as he crunches up through the gears.

“His alright; he hasn’t lost anything – it’s just lack of games,” said John. “What Jason needs is game-time. It was a tough game I brought him into last week against Southend. Hopefully, he’ll be sharper and more game-ready, come Saturday.”