Fringe players will get a run-out for Pilgrims
STEVEN Schumacher will use the Papa Johns Trophy tie away to Swindon Town tonight (7pm) to give members of his Plymouth Argyle first team squad some valuable game time.
Striker Sam Cosgrove, the transfer deadline day loan signing from Birmingham City, could make his full debut for the Pilgrims.
Cosgrove has made two substitute appearances so far, netting twice in the come-from-behind 3-2 win away to Derby County and then playing in the 2-2 draw away to Portsmouth on Saturday.
Experienced defender James Wilson could also make his first start since he was sent-off for a deliberate handball when Argyle lost 5-1 away to Charlton Athletic on August 16.
Wilson had to serve a one-match suspension and, since then, has come off the bench as a late substitute on a couple of occasions.
His place on the right of the Pilgrims’ defensive trio has been taken over by Nigel Lonwijk, the 19-yearold loan signing from Wolves who has slotted into the side with admirable maturity and poise.
Callum Burton is expected to be between the posts for Argyle at the County Ground, instead of first choice goalkeeper Mike Cooper, as was the case when the Pilgrims drew 1-1 at home to Bristol Rovers in their opening Papa Johns Trophy group game.
The Pilgrims picked up a point for that result after 90 minutes and then gained another one for winning the subsequent penalty shoot-out.
Crystal Palace under-21s are top of the group after they went to the County Ground last month and beat Swindon 2-0.
Some of the Argyle’s teenage prospects will also be involved tomorrow evening, with Jack Endacott, Oscar Halls, Brandon Pursall, Will JenkinsDavies, Freddie Issaka and Caleb Roberts all in contention for callups.
Endacott, Halls and JenkinsDavies all started the game against Bristol Rovers while 16-year-old Freddie Issaka was a second half substitute.
Schumacher said: “We had a tough, physically demanding game against Portsmouth. We will see how everybody is and see what the squad looks like, and pick a team that can go and win at Swindon hopefully.
“There will be some young players involved, like there was in the last game (against Bristol Rovers). This competition gives that opportunity, but there are senior players in our team that need to play and start as well.”
Swindon signed Luke Jephcott from Argyle on transfer deadline day and the striker has made one start and a couple of appearances for the League Two side.
The 22-year-old came off the bench in Swindon’s 1-0 win away to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, which moved them up to 11th in League Two. It is unclear whether he will line-up against his parent club or not.