Luke Looking Forward to Getting Started

LUKE Croll is about to embark on a brand new experience - and he cannot wait to get started.

Luke became Argyle’s fifth player to join the squad on a loan basis this season - the second from Crystal Palace, after Hiram Boateng. 

Croll is a 20-year-old defender, who has been with the Eagles since he was nine years old. The highly-rated youngster was this season made captain of the Under 21’s squad at Palace and was included on the team sheet for the Eagles win away to Watford in September in the Premier League. However, the Lambeth-born player has not yet made a senior debut.

”I’ve been at Palace for a while now but I’ve played under-21s for a couple of seasons," said Luke. 

“I think it’s time I get some league experience. I don’t expect to be walking into Palace’s first team right now, but I hope in the seasons to come I can grow as a player.

“I’ve been on the bench once and that’s when I realised I do want to be playing first team football. Before, it felt so far away; but I got the taste of it and now I’m really hungry to be playing first team football.

“After that (being on the first team bench) I didn’t want to go back, I was holding on.”

Luke travelled down to Plymouth on Thursday after receiving a call the previous evening, informing him he needed a bag that would last him until January. His first reaction was to run matters past his fellow Eagle.

“I spoke to [Hiram] about it when I found out. I keep in contact with Hiram anyway so I’ve been speaking to him about it and he seems to really enjoy it.

“He’s given me a lot of positive feedback about it. Unfortunately he’s just got injured but he’ll be back soon.

Predominantly known as a centre-back, Croll explained he can play both as a left-back or in the middle.“Centre-half probably," he said. "It’s either or though; as long as I’m in the team."

His potential debut could hardly be a more high profile clash. Argyle, as league leaders, shaping up to face their biggest rivals in front of what is likely to be the biggest Home Park crowd in a very long time. 

“I did see the fixture so I googled it," said Luke. "The signal wasn’t great so I didn’t get much.

"Every game is a big game for the fans and the boys - but the derby is the most important day. Wherever I am, if I’m on the bench or if I’m playing I hope to be making some sort of impact.

“I’ve been keeping a watch on Plymouth because of Hiram; the boys are great lads and seem to be doing well. I can see why they’re top of the league.”