Out of the Blues

OLLY Lee has endured “a horrible six months” waiting to play first-team football again, and the Pilgrims are set to be the beneficiaries of his frustration.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who has come to Home Park on a month’s loan from Championship side Birmingham City, played his first competitive match in 10 months on Saturday, when injury-hit Argyle hosted old foes Luton Town in a Sky Bet League 2 game.

Andy Drury’s goal in the 22nd minute gave the visitors a 1-0 win to take the shine off the occasion for Olly, who played a full 90 minutes in central midfield – something he has not been used to this season.

“I’ve just had development games, which have really been no good for me,” said Olly. “The manager [Gary Rowett] has come in and I’ve been trying to push my way in but he’s gone with experience and the lads have done really well. So I’ve got to go out and force my way back in.

“It’s been a horrible six months, to be honest with you, seeing the scores come in on a Saturday and not being involved. I’m over the moon to be here and can’t wait to get started and get us up the table.”

Olly owes his Home Park opportunity at least in part to a horrible injury-list which meant the Pilgrims went into the match with just four substitutes.

He said: “It’s quite different from Birmingham, where no-one seems to get injured. It’s a great shame and obviously the team will be much stronger when everyone comes back. I’m looking forward to seeing them all out there.”

He did not find out about Argyle manager John Sheridan’s interest in him until less than 24 hours before Saturday’s game.

“I got the call about 3pm [on Friday] to get myself to Plymouth,” he said. “It was a hectic day but I’m glad I got here now.

“You know how these things are in football – they come completely out of the blue. I was desperate to get out on loan and play some games, so when the call came from the manager, I was delighted to hear from him.”

After such a frustrating time, it is not surprising that Olly is already contemplating impressing John enough for his loan to be extended.

“As long as everything goes well and the manager’s happy with me, I don’t see why not,” he said, “but I’m taking it game by game and trying to get three points.”