All Hart

PETER Hartley will wear the captain’s armband for Argyle’s game against Dagenham & Redbridge, and is keen to show the leadership skills of the regular skipper.

The 26-year-old takes on captaincy duties on Saturday from Curtis Nelson, who begins his recovery from a dislocated shoulder.

Nelson’s injury came as the Greens held on to a 3-2 victory against Northampton Town, throwing himself in harm’s way in the stoppage time to prevent a Cobblers’ equaliser.

“It looked very comfortable,” said Peter. “The first goal was a bit of a sloppy goal from a defensive point of view. We have thrived off of sticking to good habits this season as a back five or six. We just switched off for a second, and that is all it takes to concede a goal.

“By all accounts, the second goal was a worldie. It was a great goal.

“We showed our character, we stuck in there, and we made sure that what happened against York did not happen again the week after.

“We have got back into good habits and done the nitty-gritty things we need to do to get the three points.

Having been a captain at both Hartlepool United and Stevenage in recent seasons, Hartley is a perfect fit for the armband in the Pilgrims’ next game, but knows he must continue to show the same level of professionalism and stature of Nelson.

“Obviously Nelse is the club captain, and you can see he put himself through brick walls on Saturday to make sure we got the three points,” said Hartley.

“It will be good to repay him the favour by leading the boys out.

Whilst Nelson misses out on the Daggers fixture, Hartley will be able to once again line up alongside a regular defensive partner, Carl McHugh, who returns from a calf injury.

Said Peter: “Carl has struggled with his calf for the three or four weeks now, but he has been out there training, and looks just as sharp as did before he had his injury.

“Carl will not have any problems stepping in for Nelse, and we will just stick to our good habits, do what we are told, and hopefully get another good three points.”