Playing For Keeps

ARGYLE manager John Sheridan is eager to keep the Pilgrims’ three loan stars beyond January’s transfer window.

Bristol City midfielder Bobby Reid plays the final game of his current loan spell in the Pilgrims’ Sky Bet League 2 game at York on Saturday, while the temporary transfers of Blackburn defender Anthony O’Connor and Bolton wing-back Andy Kellett expire on January 10 and January 17 respectively.

Talks have already started between the Pilgrims and the players’ parent clubs and John said: “The loan players have done really well. Everyone knows I would like to keep them all on. Hopefully we can sort something out.

“I think all the loan players are happy here and enjoying themselves. I think the three lads would like to stay and they are all playing well. That’s their decision, and obviously their respective clubs are going to make what they feel is the right decision. I’ll be pushing to keep all three of them.”

With Bobby the priority timewise, John has already touched base with the player and his manager at Ashton Gate, Steve Cotterill.

He said: “I’m talking to Steve, and I’ve spoken to Bobby, and hopefully a decision will be made. I think we’re all coming from the same boat and Bobby will be here. He’s playing well; he’s enjoying his football; he can only go back a better player while he’s playing, and playing with us.

“He just wants to be playing and, while he’s not too far from home and enjoying his football and feels we can do well, I think he wants to stay.”