Derek's Oscar Speech

The 20-year-old Bolton Wanderers defender has come to Home Park on loan until January 2, becoming the eighth player to join Argyle since Derek was appointed manager in June.

“I am delighted to have him,” said Derek. “[Bolton manager] Neil Lennon has been very good with me, and I’ve been able to take him to Plymouth.

“He’s already played in the Championship a good number of times for Bolton and it’s an opportunity to get another player in which can provide competition for places.

“It’s important we have options all over the pitch, and we’re starting to get that now. If we can have that...we don’t want to have too many injuries or suspensions but we have got to have players ready to step in if that happens.”

Bolton-born Oscar joins fellow loanees Craig Tanner, of Reading, and Crystal Palace’s Hiram Boateng at Home Park, with Graham Carey, Jake Jervis, Gary Sawyer, Josh Simpson and Gregg Wylde having been brought in over the summer.

Derek said: “My remit, when I came in, was to take in five permanent signings and three loan signings. I’ve done that now and I’m happy with the work that has been completed up until now.”

It will not be lost on Argyle fans that the last player the Pilgrims borrowed from Bolton walked off with the club’s Most Promising Player and Goal of the Season awards. However, Derek said judging Oscar alongside Andy Kellett is not comparing apples with apples.

“Andy is a wing-back, small and dynamic,” he said. “Oscar’s a wee bit different; he’s a defender and we are hopeful that he can do well. He can play right-back; he can play as the sitting midfield player – they are the two positions he has played in for Bolton; he’s been captain of their Under-21 side, as well.”