Gibson refreshed ahead of Sunderland test

Argyle defender Lewis Gibson sits on 49 appearances for Argyle and, in some ways, it is fitting that he could well make his 50th against Sunderland.  

The Durham-born centre-back came through the Academy of Sunderland’s rivals Newcastle United and says that although his family will not be missing the game, the identity of Saturday’s opposition is not important.  

The Black Cats have started the season with four wins from four, the only team in the division to do so, making Saturday’s game a tough contest for Lewis and his teammates.  

“My mum and dad always manage to get down for this one,” Gibson told Argyle TV. “[To me] it's another game, another team, you go in and you want to win.  

“They’ve obviously had a good start but it’s very, very early. We're looking to get that first win, so what a game to do that.  

“I’m delighted [to be reaching 50 games]. I've loved being here. Ever since I walked in, I knew it was a great move for me. 

“It's been a bit of a whirlwind year with the way the season went, with different managers and so forth, but I’ve absolutely loved my time here. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm just looking to take this club further.” 

The Sunderland game comes after a two-week break between fixtures, with an international window following the last outing, against Stoke City.  

Gibson has used the time to recharge and says that he feels the squad has the quality and depth to pick up Argyle’s fortunes.  

“I feel refreshed,” he said. “I had a couple of niggles before the break, but I feel really good now. I'm feeling strong, raring to go. 

“There's competition all over the pitch, whether that's at the back or going forward. I feel like the squad's more rounded, there's competition for places all over. As a team, we're looking to push on further this year.  

“I believe we're definitely building something. I feel it within the group. I think we feel it as a team as well. Barring the first game, we could potentially have won three games. The QPR one, we get a man sent off early. Against Hull and Stoke, we could have killed those games off as well. Small margins define this league. 

“Hopefully we'll come out on the other side of it this weekend.  

“Home Park - on a Saturday or Tuesday or whenever it is - is always rocking. I expect nothing less this weekend and hopefully we can do the job for them and get three points.”