Keeper Stockdale given backing by Argyle boss
GOALKEEPER David Stockdale is an injury concern for Argyle's crunch Championship encounter with Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park tomorrow.
Stockdale has started 12 successive matches since signing on loan from Premier League club Fulham in January.
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But the 24-year-old sat out training yesterday, after taking a heavy blow to a shin in the Pilgrims' 3-2 victory over Bristol City at Home Park on Tuesday.
Stockdale's recent inconsistent performances have been a hot topic of conversation among Argyle supporters.
That was further fuelled by an incident near the end of the thrilling win against Bristol City.
From the restart after Argyle captain Carl Fletcher had put his side 3-2 up in the first minute of stoppage time, City almost grabbed an immediate equaliser.
Midfielder Marvin Elliott spotted Stockdale was off his line and tried an audacious long distance shot, which went narrowly wide.
Had the ball sailed into the net, the on-loan 'keeper would have been badly embarrassed.
There have been increasing calls from Argyle fans – in reader comments on The Herald's website and elsewhere – for Romain Larrieu to be reinstated between the posts.
But head coach Paul Mariner has made a staunch defence of Stockdale.
He has also insisted Argyle are not under any obligation to play Stockdale, as part of his loan arrangement.
Mariner said: "There are no stipulations that any player is going to play. It's all on merit.
"David, you have got to remember, is a young goalkeeper.
"He has got some fantastic assets. He commands his box and can kick it (the ball) a mile, but young goalkeepers do make little errors.
"Unfortunately, when you are in our position, little errors sometimes lead to goals."
Stockdale made a stunning diving save to keep out a free-kick from Bristol City left-back Jamie McAllister, shortly after the visitors had drawn level at 2-2.
But, after Fletcher's dramatic late strike, Stockdale's lapse of concentration almost proved costly.
Mariner said: "It was a superb save from the free-kick, going full length to his left. But, after going 3-2 up, he turns his back on the play.
"It was tremendous vision from the guy with the shot, and it almost embarrassed him (Stockdale), but he got away with it.
"He's a young kid who's trying to make his way in the game."
Mariner was asked whether he would consider making a change of goalkeeper for the trip to Scunthorpe.
He replied: "I think about making a change at every single position, depending on how people are.
"David didn't train yesterday because he got walloped in the shin (against Bristol City).
"It got worse overnight, and we will have to see how he is."
Zimbabwe international left-back Onismor Bhasera is not available for selection for the game against Scunthorpe.
He has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Pilgrims after being granted a UK work permit, on appeal.
But Bhasera has returned to Africa this week to complete all the paperwork for him to be eligible to play in this country.
Mariner is hoping the 24-year-old could come into contention for the away game against Ipswich Town next Tuesday.
Winger Craig Noone has also been ruled out of the trip to Glanford Park because of a knee problem which has troubled him, on and off, over recent months.
Instead, Noone will spend the weekend with his family on Merseyside before seeing a specialist next Wednesday.
But there could be a return to action for Argyle's on-loan Burnley defender Richard Eckersley.
The 20-year-old sat out the win against Bristol City because of a groin injury he suffered in the 1-1 draw away to Coventry City last Saturday.
Mariner said: "Hopefully, Eckers may be available for tomorrow."
Midfielder Chris Clark was injured in the closing stages of the game against Bristol City, when he was on the receiving end of a crunching tackle from winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce.
The challenge led to Campbell-Ryce being sent-off for a second bookable offence and Clark playing no further part in the contest.
Alan Judge was sent on as a substitute for Clark, and would replace him in the starting line-up tomorrow should he not be passed fit.
Mariner said: "Clarky did a light session yesterday."
Defender David McNamee is another player who will not be involved against Scunthorpe.
The former Scotland international pulled out of training yesterday because of a tight hamstring.
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by smiffyoi, plymouth
Saturday, March 20 2010, 5:49PM
“Well done today , a great performance by the sounds of it. According to Sparksy it would have been a heavy defeat. I still feel he's made too many basic errors though. Larrieu must wonder what he has to do or what Stockdale has to do badly to get back in the team. I think Basso would be a good shout but looking too late now!”
by James, Mutley
Saturday, March 20 2010, 8:41AM
“Stockdale is by far the more superior keeper! god you guys are fickle, before stockdale was brought in the overwhelming feeling on here was to replace Rom.
I for one feel stockdale inspires twice of much confidence in his defence. For me sat in the stands I no longer have a heartattack everytime the opposition have a corner or a cross goes into the box and with the exception of a few howlers on tuesday at least the ball remains on the pitch when he kicks it. Lets get behind him and stop knocking the Lad!”
by PETER, EXETER
Friday, March 19 2010, 10:28PM
“If you read Bristol Citys boards, you will see that most of their supporters regarded Basso very highly and felt that Johnsons treatment of him spelt the beginning of the end.
I agree with those who say that Stockdale is not up to the pressure situation Argyle find themselves in, but most seem to think Larrieu is past it so Mariner finds himself in a difficult situation.
Interesting to see that it was Mariner who ran across the pitch to deal with Stockdale at the end of the match on tuesday night to diffuse the situation. Stockdale took some calming down, even by his manager who managed to get him to applaud to the Lyndhurst side. Stockdale then trudged off the pitch without acknowledging the fans on the Mayflower side, head down, face like a slapped backside.
Anyone would have thought we had just lost, not pulled off an unlikely win.
He did make a couple of very good saves, but to almost allow City to equalize at the death by basically failing to concentrate, shows lack of professionalism and above all, failing to learn from previous mistakes.
Perhaps they will have to put Crudgy in goal for the rest of the campaign!!!”
by Maurice Danzing, Mid Devon
Friday, March 19 2010, 5:15PM
“Philthegreen is right about Basso, except I have never seen him be brilliant. Every time I have seen him he was hopeless and hopefully is not on our radar. Would rather have Romain or Stockdale than Basso!”
by Jeff, Plymouth
Friday, March 19 2010, 4:58PM
“When Ro was between the sticks I used to cringe every time the ball came his way. I for one do not feel that way about DS. I agree with PM. All keepers make mistakes. He catches and kicks far better than Ro and isn't afraid of getting hurt. Ro has been a good servant for the club but he's past his best. Ro has cost us plenty over the last few seasons.”