Hir We Go Again

The Crystal Palace midfielder began his second loan spell with the Pilgrims when he made a brief substitute appearance in Argyle’s 2-0 win at Morecambe.

Argyle manager Derek, who had been asked by the Premier League side’s coaching staff not to start Boateng, had been pursuing his return following a first loan spell which ended after the Pilgrims’ 2-0 win at home to Morecambe in October. 

During that spell, Argyle won 11 of their 16 league games and drew two.

Derek said: “I always said he was going to come back; a lot of people didn’t believe me, but he did eventually come back.

“With eight games to go, it seems like he hasn’t been away from the squad and that’s a good thing. It gives him a lift and it gives us a lift, as well.”

Boateng’s return allows Adams, should he wish, to renew his previously dominant central midfield partnership with Carl McHugh, who made his comeback after injury at Morecambe, although the Pilgrims’ gaffer is determined that no single player should become bigger than the collective.

“It’s important that we concern ourselves with the whole team,” he said. “It’s a team game and everybody is important. It’s good to have Hiram back in the squad and to have Carl McHugh coming back from injury.”