Lecointe awaits first-team recall as Harvey grasps opportunity
Plymouth Argyle's teenage striker Matt Lecointe has seen his progress slowed by a series of injuries this season.
The 18-year-old England youth international has overcome those problems, though, and he is waiting for a chance to return to first-team action.
Lecointe has not played for the Pilgrims' first team since the 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at Home Park on September 18. He did, however, line-up for Argyle in FA Youth Cup ties against Exeter City and Oxford United.
Lecointe burst into Argyle's senior side as a 16-year-old apprentice at the beginning of last season. The Plymouth-born prospect ended up making 22 appearances, including nine starts, during 2011-12 and scored two goals.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
Lecointe began this term as a first-choice striker for the Pilgrims. He started four matches and also made three substitute appearances before his campaign was curtailed. Argyle manager Carl Fletcher said: "I think Matty has been unfortunate. He has picked up a few little niggly injuries.
"It's just one of those things. He's going to get that when he's younger and he's growing and developing.
"Matty is a good player and has got plenty of time on his side. When you are younger and you get injuries, and you are not training all the time and not involved in games, that's a learning experience for the future. It will benefit him in the long run, really.
"You're not always going to be able to train every day and play every weekend. There are going to be times, through no fault of your own, when you're going to have to sit out and you have to deal with that situation," Fletcher added.
Lecointe has been followed through the youth ranks at Home Park by another talented teenaged striker, Tyler Harvey. The 17-year-old apprentice from Oreston made his Argyle debut as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Bradford City on Tuesday.
Harvey was given his chance by Fletcher after scoring regularly for the club's Under-18 side this season.
"He came on and fitted in like we knew he would," said Fletcher. "We are wary of his age but, at the end of the day, you don't know how they are going to get on until you throw them out there.
"He came on, got hold of the ball and kept it for us, like we expected him to. He's scoring regularly for the youth team, so his confidence is really high. It's great for a young lad to come on and get his debut."
Comments