Whittaker's Bristol Rovers Preview

Argyle forward Morgan Whittaker is hoping for a challenging tie in Argyle’s Papa John’s Trophy game against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday to carry on the Greens’ winning run. 

Coming off a 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers in Sky Bet League One on Saturday, Argyle will look to maintain momentum with a victorious result against Rovers.

Morgan has played a part in all of Argyle’s matches this season, starting one league game and our sole Carabao Cup tie, as well as making five league appearances from the bench.

It is notable that telling contributions have been made as substitutes, by Morgan and by many of his team-mates, in the season so far.

“There has been a lot more impact from the bench at the start of the season,” said Morgan. “I’m just staying patient and hopefully I’ll get a run in the team, stay in the team.

“Whether its half an hour or ten minutes, [the focus is on] being positive and doing well. All I can control is me coming on, doing well and hopefully getting the chance to play the next game. If I think that I am not playing, and then sulk, it’s going to affect me, so I need to do well when I get the chance.”

Newly promoted Bristol Rovers sit 15th in Sky Bet League One coming off the back of a 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury Town. Joey Barton’s side have accumulated seven points from their opening six games.

Whittaker, on loan from Swansea City, looks set to play in the Papa John’s Trophy for the first time, and believes that whichever team manager Steven Schumacher selects, Argyle have enough to make a positive start to their group stage campaign. They will meet Swindon Town and Crystal Palace Under-21s later in the season.

He said: “We back ourselves and we know we have the players that can hurt anyone. It’s about focusing on ourselves and getting the result.

“Everyone is challenging for positions in the league games and the squad’s got that much depth, you could put people that aren’t playing in the starting team, and they could still do the same job.

“I’ve never played in the competition before, so it’s another one to add. I’m looking forward to it. Everyone wants the chance to play at Wembley. It’s a good stepping stone, and hopefully we do well this year.

“The under-21 teams get an opportunity to play against League One and League Two teams. Developing players is good for football in general, and for more experienced players to play against younger ones, it is good for everyone.

“For under-21 players it is a real eye-opener to see the levels in League One and League Two.”