Schumacher reaffirms Plymouth Argyle commitment to youth

Steven Schumacher has promised there will continue to be chances for academy products at Plymouth Argyle to break into the first team squad under his management.

Schumacher will adopt the same approach as his predecessor Ryan Lowe when it comes to giving young players an opportunity.

It will be very much a case of 'if they are good enough they are old enough' when Schumacher decides on who will be selected in his squads.



Schumacher said: "Players get in the team on merit regardless of age or experience I suppose. As long as they are performing and carrying out the roles that we ask of them they are picked."

Argyle has placed an increasing emphasis on their academy structure over recent years and it is already paying off.

Six home-developed players have made appearances in League One this season, led by goalkeeper Mike Cooper (23 starts) and striker Luke Jephcott (17 starts and four substitute appearances).

The others are midfield duo Adam Randell (1 +7) and Will Jenkins-Davies (0 +1), plus wing-back Ryan Law (0 +7), striker Rhys Shirley (0 +3).

Defender Ollie Tomlinson, currently playing regularly on loan to Paul Wotton's Truro City, made one start in the Carabao Cup.

Then, in addition to those players, another seven academy prospects have featured in the Papa John's Trophy this season.

They are Finley Craske, Carlo Garside, Freddie Issaka, Oscar Massey, Brandon Pursall, Caleb Roberts and Angel Waruih.

Issaka became Argyle's youngest ever player when he made his debut in the Papa John's Trophy tie at Newport County at the end of August aged 15 years and 34 days.

He is currently away with the England under-16 squad for a doubleheader of games against Turkey at St George's Park this week.

Issaka played for Wales under-16s earlier this season, scoring in a 2-0 Victory Shield win against Northern Ireland in October.

Meanwhile, Argyle academy midfielder Harry McGlinchey is also at St Georges Park this week for an England under-15s training camp.

McGlinchey is the son of Brian, who was part of the Pilgrims' 2001/02 Division Three title-winning team under Paul Sturrock.


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Refreshing!