Derek Challenges Young Guns

WITH the door opened by injuries to first-team regulars...

...Argyle manager Derek Adams is looking for the younger players in his squad to earn their step-up to the senior ranks.
 
Much of the conversation surrounding Argyle recently has been about players that Adams has not been able to select, but the boss is purely focused on the things that he can control.
 
“I’m not going to go into injuries – I’ve had enough of talking about injuries,” was Derek’s response when asked about the likes of Graham Carey, Reuben Reid, Hiram Boateng and Josh Simpson, who continue to remain unavailable for selection. That leaves a rather thin squad for Adams to choose from, including a number of young talents that he is keen to see take full advantage of the situation.
 
“We’ve got 18 players to choose from,” said Derek, “and when you get that, everybody feels involved.  We have had the younger players playing in the Peninsula League on a Saturday, but they’ve got to earn their place in the first team.
 
“Right now, they’re lucky enough to get into the first team because of injuries, but what I want them to do is to really push on and push for that first-team berth.”
 
Regardless of player availability, Adams is looking forward to continuing Argyle’s period of festive fixtures, as well as having a chance to bolster his squad in a fortnight’s time in the January transfer window opens.
 
“These games over the festive period are always good,” said Derek. “The players will have their family around about them, they’ll be able to watch the games, and sometimes that helps them.
 
“We’re hopeful that we could get some injuries back by that time, and we might be able to do that. We always knew it was going to be tight.
 
“I’m looking to strengthen the squad in January, and that’s something that I’ve always done, and will continue to do, throughout my managerial career. 

“You might not get the player you want in January, but there are a lot of options in January to take players. It’s just about finding the right player at the right time to take into your football club.”