Loan Consolation

...but the Argyle debuts of loan signings Jordan Houghton and Jamille Matt were a silver lining on the cloud of disappointment.

Chelsea midfielder Jordan, 20, came through the whole game in a holding central role, while Fleetwood Town forward Jamille, 25, played the last quarter of the match after coming on as a substitute for Reuben Reid.

“From my point of view, Jordan Houghton made a very good debut today – I thought he was composed on the ball,” said the Argyle manager, “and Jamille came on for the last 20 minutes. It’s never easy, coming in to make your debuts, but I was happy with both of them.

“We need a wee bit of presence up font and Jamille gives us that, a wee bit of height and work-ethic; he gives us something different in the forward area. He’s a target man and sometimes we will have to play that way. 

“He’s been involved with Fleetwood, so, fitness-wise, he’s fine.”

Jordan filled one of the two positions that had been the preserve of Carl McHugh for much of the season, until he injured a calf muscle in February. 

Derek said: “He’s got a slight problem that has taken time to heal; the sooner that heals, the better for us. We are always hopeful it’s the next game. I hoped it would be this weekend; now I hope it will be next weekend.

“He has been a big player for us this season. He has been great in the middle of the pitch and has got very good experience.”

The arrival of Jordan and Jamille may not be the last of Derek’s temporary acquisitions before the transfer-window shuts in two weeks’ time.

“There is still the possibility to [bring someone in],” he said, “and we will look to do that before the window [closes].”