On-loan star keen to stay at Argyle

CENTRE-BACK Shane Lowry has revealed he would be interested in extending his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.

Lowry signed for the Pilgrims from Premier League club Aston Villa on a three-month deal in the middle of September.

That will end after the home game against Coventry City on December 19.

And Argyle manager Paul Sturrock has already sounded out Lowry about whether he wants to stay at Home Park for a further period.

The 20-year-old said: "I would definitely think about it because I have been playing games week in week out.

"I have got a spot in the team, I think I have been doing all right and the results have started to turn a bit.

"But it's really out of my hands, to be honest. It's between Plymouth Argyle and Aston Villa."

Lowry made his debut for Argyle in the 3-1 defeat away to Newcastle United on September 19.

He has gone on to make 10 appearances for the Pilgrims, all of them in the starting line-up, and put in some impressive performances.

Lowry and Kari Arnason have developed a good partnership at centre-back in recent matches.

"When I first came to the club we had a couple of defeats, but we have had a settled back for the past four or five games," said Lowry.

"I think you can see that once you start playing a few games together we can defend well.

"Obviously, we need to work hard to get more clean sheets, because that's what wins you games.

"But our results are starting to turn a bit, besides the blip on Saturday (when Argyle lost 1-0 at Leicester City)."

Prior to that match, Lowry had been away on international duty with Australia.

He was part of the Socceroos' squad for a 2-1 win away to Oman in an Asian Cup qualifier on November 17.

Lowry was born in Perth, western Australia, but played for the Republic of Ireland at under-17 and under-21 level.

However, after a recent rule change, he is now eligible to play for Australia.

Lowry has yet to make his debut for the Socceroos but hopes to be part of their squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa next summer.

His chances of achieving that aim will be improved by him playing regular first team football.

Lowry enjoyed the experience of linking up with the Australia squad in Oman, even though he was not involved in the match.

It was only the second time he had been called up by the Socceroos.

Lowry said: "It was good experience for me again. I did a lot better in training this time.

"I felt more settled and I was enjoying it.

"It was nice weather out there in Oman as well. It was 32 degrees, which isn't bad for training in.

"Only 18 out of the 24 players stripped for the match, and I wasn't expecting anything, but it's just nice to be recognised.

"Now I have got to keep putting in performances for Plymouth because that's my bread and butter."

He added: "The Championship is a really good league for me to be playing in. There is a lot of exposure.

"All I can do is get my head down and work hard."

Meanwhile, Argyle's four-goal top scorer Jamie Mackie will be suspended for the game against Barnsley at Home Park on Saturday.

Mackie must serve a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the defeat by Leicester.

He was booked in the 81st minute of the Championship clash.

Referee Danny McDermid ruled that Mackie had dived when challenged by Leicester defender Wayne Brown inside the penalty area.

ARGYLE captain Carl Fletcher will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Senior Greens on Thursday.

It will take place in the Far Post Club at Home Park and starts at 2pm. All are welcome to attend.