A Straight Fight

THE arrival of goalkeeper Alex Palmer on loan from West Bromwich Albion has given Argyle manager Ryan Lowe two exciting young options in the last line of defence.

Palmer joined on Tuesday and was thrust straight into the team for the friendly at Torquay United after showing fantastic enthusiasm for the chance to spend the season at Home Park.

Argyle now have Palmer and Michael Cooper as the two emerging talents in the goalkeeping department and both players will be given every chance to stake their claim to start the opening game of the Sky Bet League Two campaign at Crewe on August 3.

“It’s been on the cards for a while and he [Palmer] comes with great feedback on him,” said Ryan. “The boy wanted to come, he’s not played many games and been with the Under-23s [at West Brom].

“He’s relishing the chance to play league football and wants to be a part of something special. A goalkeeper of his calibre, who has represented England and been at West Brom, doesn’t come along often.

“We’ve had loads of goalkeepers thrown at us but we had to make sure we got the right one. Once I’d spoken to Alex after he’d been away for a week with West Brom, he drove straight down to Plymouth and fair play to him.

“It’s down to him and Coops now. As I said before, there isn’t a number one or two. It’s two quality goalkeepers fighting for one position and you get experience through playing. They have great experience playing in front of them.

“They’re two quality goalkeepers and I’m happy to give them the opportunity. Michael will probably wear the number one jersey but that doesn’t mean anything; it’s a straight fight between the two of them.”