Shipshape Skipper

Curtis was pulled out of the action during the weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Portsmouth after sustaining a cut above his left eye in a clash with Pompey substitute Jayden Stockley. However, the damage has proved to be superficial.

"Curtis is fine,” confirmed Argyle manager Derek Adams, on the eve of the Pilgrims’ third home game in eight days. “He’s ready for tomorrow night, so no problems there. The squad seems to be in good shape. We got through Saturday unscathed.”

There was also encouraging news regarding forward Jake Jervis, who missed Saturday’s game – and 80 minutes of the previous Capital One Cup tie against Gillingham – with a groin problem, although the Carlisle encounter is at least a game too soon to see him return to action.

“We’re probably looking to Saturday before he’s fit,” said Derek. “Not before then. It is just assessment today and tomorrow and then we’ll see where he is. We’re hopeful for Saturday.”

Jake’s place on Saturday went to on-loan Reading man Craig Tanner, while fellow forward Ryan Brunt came on during the game and made a late impact. Both come into the manager’s consideration for the visit of the Cumbrians.

“I’m not going to speak about individuals,” said Derek, “but what I will say is that we’ve got a number of players in the squad who are able to be called upon.

“We played a lot of games in pre-season and the ones who played the majority of game-time are the ones who are pushing to get into the starting 11. We’ve got a competitive group of players; we’ve got 15-16 players who are pushing to get themselves into the first team.”