For Keeps

ARGYLE manager Derek Adams joined the chorus of congratulations after James Bittner made his belated full Football League debut in the Pilgrims’ 2-1 win at York City.

The 34-year-old was called up after regular custodian Luke McCormick gave best to an injury picked up in the previous Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat by Millwall.

“It was great for him,” said Derek. “It was a terrific occasion. He nearly got a clean sheet, but we let one in at the end.”

Bitts’ first home start for Argyle could come against former club Exeter City on Saturday if Luke does not recover.

“He’s got a groin injury from the other night,” said Derek, after goals from Jake Jervis and Graham Carey secured three points against York, “so we kept him out of today’s game and we’ll see how it progresses before next week.

“We’re hopeful it’s not too bad and it will heal quickly.”

Central midfielder Carl McHugh limped out of proceedings late on at Bootham Crescent but Derek said: “He’ll be okay. 

“It was a wee bit of fatigue. We’ve had a lot of of games and he’s played a lot of games; he covers a lot of ground. It’s something that we’ll deal with.”