Defensive recruitments now a priority for Argyle

TOM Cleverley has declared that centre-back is a key area for Plymouth Argyle to strengthen and as soon as possible amid their alarming defensive struggles at the start of this season.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

It is a particular concern for Cleverley ahead of the League One game against Leyton Orient at Home Park tonight because Brendan Wiredu will have to serve a one-match suspension after his late red card in the 3-2 defeat away to Lincoln City on Saturday.

Argyle have conceded eight goals in their first three league fixtures, all of which they have lost, and it is 10 from four matches if you include the 3-2 Carabao Cup first round home victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Wiredu started against Lincoln as one of Argyle’s two centre-backs alongside captain Victor Palsson, who was taken off at the interval after a difficult first half for him. Cleverley admitted after the game he thought the experienced defender was lacking confidence.

Palsson was replaced for the second half by Brendan Galloway, who had been an injury doubt before the match because of a calf issue so there was a certain degree of risk to that decision by Cleverley.

Another of the Pilgrims’ central defenders, Kornel Szucs, was needed to play at right-back against Lincoln while Julio Pleguezuelo faces an extended period of time out of action after a knee operation.