Niall Be There

ARGYLE’S second signing in two days described a familiar tale as he spoke of his knowledge of Derek Adams’ interest in him.

Niall Canavan has now become a Pilgrim, but has known of his new manager’s awareness in him for some time. Adams interest in the defender goes back to the end of the last campaign and it is evident that feeling has been reciprocated.

Niall said “I would be lying if I said I didn’t keep an eye on the results last season and in particular the re-arranged fixture at Rochdale .The boys knew Plymouth were hot at the time as they had won how ever many in a row.

“I was really impressed that night and it only furthered my interest, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to go.

“The manager was interested and this is somewhere that I have always known I would like to come down to. I have been impressed with what I’ve seen so far. Circumstances with things at home and the family made it maybe not the best idea at one point but I’m glad to be here.”

The 27 year-old hails from Leeds and has spent the majority of his playing days in League One, mostly with Scunthorpe United, a brief loan spell at Shrewsbury Town and most recently, Rochdale.

The defender has represented Ireland at under-21 level as he qualifies though his Irish Grandparents and made it clear that he is someone who prides himself on clean sheets as he reflected on his time at Scunthorpe.

“Clean sheets are my job,” he said, “to get in the way of stuff basically and hopefully there’s many to come. I think we kept 24 clean sheets one year [at Scunthorpe] so that was something we were good at. I had a great time there, met so many good people and I was lucky to have had some good managers while I was there as well. I saw some good and bad times there, but more good than bad.”

The Yorkshireman knows his experience in this division will be very important, as he becomes a Pilgrim.

“It is good to have that experience of League One,” he said. ”It’s always going to be beneficial. I’ve seen good and bad in this league over the years but I have had some good memories and hopefully I can create some more now.”

Canavan admits last season was a frustrating one as an ankle complaint ended his season prematurely but has declared himself “fighting fit and ready” ahead of the new season.

He will also be re-introduced to a former Iron teammate in Jamie Ness, who Niall says has already been in touch to offer advice and warn him of a gruelling pre-season regime.

Canavan said: “I spoke to Jamie Ness last week so I know about the training regime; he gave me a bit of a lowdown on it but from other things I’ve found online I know it will be tough, he’s not the only one to say it!

“A hard pre-season only puts us in better shape for what’s to come.”