Greenish Blue

JORDAN Houghton’s first impressions of Argyle have been endorsed by his reception since his arrival on loan from Premier League champions Chelsea.

The 20-year-old England youth international lined up against the Pilgrims earlier this season in Gillingham’s 2-1 Capital One Cup win. That played its part in him returning this week, this time as an Argyle player, on loan until the end of the Sky Bet League 2 season.

“When I played there, there was a big crowd, and a passionate crowd, which is always good," he said. "When [Gillingham] played them earlier in the season, [Argyle] showed some good stuff. They probably dominated, especially in the second half.

“So I knew the capabilities of the team; they like to play and the manager likes to play.”

The move to Home Park had been in the offing for a little while before the formalities were completed in time for Jordan to make his debut in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Accrington.

“About a week ago, there were some serious talks going on with my agent,” he said, after the game. “It’s a way away from home but I was prepared to do that to come to a big club like this and hopefully help them, because they are on a promotion push.

“I’ve been in football for about 12 years now; I’ve been away from home; and I’m used to staying in hotels a lot. The club have been really good with me in terms of welfare, and it makes it a lot easier. It’s a lovely city.”