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STURROCK FACING SELECTION HEADACHE

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 07:00

MANAGER Paul Sturrock has admitted he faces a lot of 'soul searching' as he considers his team selection for Plymouth Argyle's Sky-televised clash against Cardiff City at Home Park on Saturday.

Rory Fallon and Emile Mpenza were the two strikers when Argyle beat Coventry City 1-0 at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

But, for the visit of Cardiff this weekend, Sturrock (pictured right) can call upon top scorer Paul Gallagher, who has completed a one-match suspension.

And the Pilgrims' boss was also impressed with Steve MacLean, when he came on as a substitute for Mpenza against Coventry.

Gallagher has netted five times since arriving on a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers at the end of August.

Sturrock said: "You always miss a quality player like him because he has got attributes that benefit the team.

"Now the decision is whether to bring him back or not this Saturday. There's going to be a lot of soul searching over the next two or three days."

MacLean had started the previous three matches before being named among the substitutes at the Ricoh Arena.

Sturrock said: "I thought Steve was excellent when he came on. He really helped us in the last 10 to 15 minutes.

"He kept the ball and ran down channels.

"I had a long chat with him about it yesterday and he's showing the right determination and attitude now.

"All we need now is the icing on the cake, where he pops up with the goals that I know are in him."

MacLean was not on the pitch for long against Coventry, but sent one header wide and had a shot saved by keeper Keiren Westwood.

Sturrock said: "There were a couple of things the previous week (the 2-2 draw at home to Charlton Athletic) that he was nearly on the end of.

"He's beginning to take in the whole scenario.

"We have some permutations now, but trying to keep everybody happy is very difficult because they feel they should be playing in the team."

Only one player has started all of Argyle's league and cup games this season, and that is captain Karl Duguid.

The summer signing from Colchester United started the season at right-back, but was moved to a central midfield role in mid-September and the 30-year-old has stayed there ever since.

Sturrock said: "He's a six or seven out of 10 every week, and they are invaluable.

"It's not very often you say he has had a bad game. Him and Clarky (midfielder Chris Clark) are very consistent performers at a certain standard.

"Other types can be hot and cold at times, but Karl and Clarky have been a steadying influence in the team."

Duguid has scored once for Argyle this season and Sturrock believes he is capable of getting more.

"He has had a few chances when has gone up in support," said Sturrock. "He has got a great engine and he's a great enthusiast.

"He has settled into the centre of midfield, which he had never played on a regular occurrence before."


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STURROCK FACING  SELECTION HEADACHE

 

   















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