Scotty Suspension

THE bad luck for suspended defender Scott Wootton opens the door for another Pilgrim to stake his claim in Saturday’s Devon derby with Exeter City at St James Park.

A booking for Scott in the midweek win over Leyton Orient means a one-game ban and gives either Will Aimson or Josh Grant a starting berth in tomorrow’s massive Devon derby in Sky Bet League Two.

George Cooper, who came in for the suspended Danny Mayor in the weekend victory over Carlisle and kept his place in the team, is proof that one player’s misfortune can be another’s opportunity.

“Scotty’s been magnificent but we’ve got Josh Grant and Will Aimson, so we’ll have a look at those two and see who the best fit will be,” said manager Ryan Lowe.

“It’s then over to them. You’ve seen George Cooper come in for Danny Mayor after a couple of yellow cards and the next thing you know, Dan has to sit out a game.

“Scott is obviously disappointed to miss the game through suspension but if someone comes in and does the job, he might find himself in the same position [as Mayor]. We’ve got no worries because there are two terrific lads ready to come in.

“We’ve changed a lot this season but then you find that balance, whether your best player is in there or not. Danny Mayor might have to work hard to get back in the team but that’s not saying he won’t play on Saturday.

“I might still change the team, even though we’ve won back-to-back games. I’ll pick what I think is the right fit for Exeter but it’s always a nice place to have a bench like we did the other day.”

Aside from the absent Wootton, Jose Baxter is unavailable and the gaffer revealed tomorrow’s game may come too soon for Dom Telford and Ryan Taylor in their recovery from injury.