Benarous poised to make his first start for Pilgrims

AYMAN Benarous is set to start a competitive match for the first time in more than three years when Plymouth Argyle take on Queens Park Rangers in the Carabao Cup first round at Home Park tonight.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

Benarous, 21, broke into the Bristol City side as a talented teenager during the 2021/22 season but he then suffered back-to-back ACL knee injuries, followed by hamstring issues, and was eventually released by the Robins this summer.

When the summer signing made his debut for Argyle as a second half substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday it was his first league game since April 30, 2022 when he came off the bench for City ina 5-0 home victory over Hull City.

Benarous had started the previous match for the Robins, which was a 3-1 away win against Hull City. Now, all this time later, he is poised to make a full debut for Argyle in Carabao Cup action.

QPR began their Championship campaign on Saturday with a 1-1 draw at home to Preston North End on Saturday. Striker Rumarn Burrell, who was a transfer target for Argyle before joining Rangers, made his debut as a second half substitute so could be in line to start against the Pilgrims, who have lost their opening two League One games.