Ant & Derek

The 24-year-old put pen to paper at Home Park on Thursday, becoming Derek’s third signing of the January window, following the squad being further strengthened by the arrivals of Nathan Blissett and Jakub Sokolik.

A recent injury to Connor Smith in Argyle’s home clash with Stevenage means that both he and fellow midfielder David Ijaha are unavailable for the squad at the present. Meanwhile, Gary Miller’s injury has meant Oscar Threlkeld is required at right-back, leaving the midfield area another man lighter. 

With a need to fill that gap in their absence, Derek has brought in Antoni, after he left Shrewsbury Town in December. 

“He’s a central midfield player that we’ve all been looking for,” Derek said. “He’s got good energy; he likes to get into the box; he’s creative; good with set plays and he can be useful with his energy in the middle of the pitch. 

“We’re a wee bit short in numbers there with Connor Smith and David Ijaha getting injured, so it gives us good competition there.

“We’ve been working on it for a wee while now. He’d left Shrewsbury and there was obviously interest in him, but he wanted to come to Plymouth Argyle because it’s one of the biggest clubs in this division. He’s seen how well we have done this season and wanted to be part of it.”

With the Pilgrims pushing for promotion this season, Derek feels that the addition of Antoni will bring in further experience to his current squad.

Sarcevic was a vital part of the Fleetwood side who were promoted from this level three seasons ago – he scored the goal that took the Cod Army up, indeed – and has the credentials to be able to assist Argyle in that goal this year. 

“He knows what it takes to get out of this division,” said Derek. “He’s got very good experience for 24-years-old that’s important as well. He’s got enough physical presence about him, but also guile to score and create goals.” 

When questioned on whether Antoni’s position may overlap that of Argyle number 10 Graham Carey, Derek reassured that both players differ in style, and what they can both offer the Greens on the field.

He said: “[Antoni] can play number 10, he can also play in midfield, but they’re two different types of players. One is left-sided and one is right-sided, and they’ve both got a bit of difference about them.”