Oliver Considers Himself At Home

OLIVER Norburn has been a Pilgrim just a matter of days, but that is long enough for him to be convinced that John Sheridan’s new-look Argyle is more than capable of going places.

The 21-year-old midfielder has signed a one-year deal after a successful Home Park trial that saw him turn in impressive performances in friendlies at Tavistock and Weymouth.

He said: “I’ve only been here a week, but I’ve seen the level of players we’ve got and I think there is going to be a bit of expectation on our shoulders.

“I think every player in our team is good enough to handle that. It’s just a matter of going out, getting the results, and sticking together.

“The lads are looking good. I think we’ve got a decent side here. We’ve got a lot of good young players with a mixture of experience.

“Hopefully it’s going to be a big year for us all.”

Ollie will wear the same number 6 as departed former skipper Conor Hourihane, and occupy a similar position on the field. Does that bring extra expectation to his game?

“Not in my eyes,” he said. “Maybe people will be looking like that but, if I am playing, every time I wear the number, I’m just going to give everything I’ve got and hopefully play as well as I can. I like to get on the ball, dictate play and set the tempo.

“I want to cement my place in the team and become a vital part of it, if possible. I want to get games under my belt and repay the gaffer for showing the faith that he has in me.”

Ollie comes to Home Park after a mutual parting of the ways with previous club Bristol Rovers, who were relegated from the Football League last season.

“It was a hard year for the club,” he said. “I think it underachieved, massively. It was disappointing, but I’ve moved on from there – I’m now a Plymouth player and want to do well for this club.

“I’ve enjoyed my time down here so far. Hopefully, I can take that into the season now.”