Ibrahim's absence underlines growing importance to Argyle

MIDFIELDER Bradley Ibrahim has been described as 'ahead of his years' by Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley.

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

Ibrahim, who will celebrate his 21st birthday later this month, had to sit out the 1-1 League One draw with Wigan Athletic at Home Park on Saturday due to a one-match suspension after receiving five yellow cards this season.

Argyle struggled to come up with attacking creativity against Wigan and one of the reasons for that was the enforced absence of Ibrahim, who has been in good recent form for the Pilgrims.

Cleverley said: "Bradley is one of those young players who is ahead of his years. He's vocal, he sticks his chest out, he has got a few attributes that are really leadership qualities.

"We were always going to miss Bradley. He has played every game but one for us, he's one of the best players in the league last month, scoring three, assisting one from midfield "It's something he has to get better at, is not taking cheap yellow cards, and it will be learning curve for him but we were always going to miss Bradley because he's in great form."

'INCREDIBLY YOUNG' ARGYLE

With club captain Joe Edwards completing a three-match League One, it was again a young Argyle side which took on Wigan, with defender Brendan Galloway (29) and goalkeeper Conor Hazard (27) the only two players aged over 25.