Pushing Each Other

ARGYLE’S on-loan goalkeeper Alex Palmer believes Home Park is the best place for him to further his footballing education.

The 24 year-old custodian has made the starting jersey his own in Sky Bet League Two this season but knows that youngster Mike Cooper is waiting in the wings If called upon.

“He [Coops] is young, like myself, so it’s good that we can push each other,” said Alex, who will be looking to retain his place for Saturday’s trip to Port Vale in Sky Bet League Two.

“We try to help each other as much as we can. I respect Coops and I know he’s a really good goalkeeper, so he is keeping me on my toes at the minute.”

For Alex though, his immediate focus is on a Port Vale team known for their good home record. They have yet to be beaten at Vale Park this season.

“Every game for us is going to be tough, especially when we go away from home,” said Alex. “We know that teams won’t sit off us like they do here sometimes. 

“They will be in our faces, trying to make it difficult for us but we have to relish that challenge and play the way we know we can. If we manage to score a couple of goals, I’m sure we will play football the way we know we can.“

An away trip often means an opportunity to catch up with family and friends, preferably with three more points on the board, and Alex hopes Saturday will be no different.

“The gaffer is good like that, he lets us get time with the family as much as we can and that helps,” he said. “I think it’s important to have that down time as well.

“A few of the family try to watch me, they come down here as well. They try to go to away games as much as possible but they have lives as well, so it’s not all revolving around me on Saturday. 

“I’ve settled in well, it’s a great bunch of lads and the gaffer is really good, which has helped me to settle as well.”