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Storer impresses after short-notice league debut
James Storer
James Storer had played in a Carabao Cup tie and two Jersey Mike's Trophy games for Plymouth Argyle before his league debut on Saturday

Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley says he is pleased with how his side adapted to the late loss of goalkeeper Murphy Cooper.

The 22-year-old - who had been an ever-present in the league this season - had to pull out of the 0-0 draw with Reading on the day of the game due to a family issue.

It led to James Storer making his EFL debut for the Pilgrims after his summer move from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"I thought Jimmy did really well after maybe a nervy first 10 minutes," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon.

"It wasn't ideal for preparation, obviously.

"It's his first league game and a clean sheet against the league's top goal-scorers is a real positive.

"I think Murphy will be back to work next week and we wish him and his family all the best."

With Leo McCormick on loan at Southern League side Malvern Town and youth team goalkeeper Thomas Armitage playing for England at the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan it left Argyle without a goalkeeper on the bench.

"We value our preparation and our detail a lot through the week, so for that to be sort of knocked out of sync so close to the game is always an issue," Cleverley added.

"But we also find solutions rather than excuses, so it was a moment for us not to panic.

"We trust Jimmy a hell of a lot. He's a 21-year-old goalkeeper, but acts and plays a lot more mature than that, and we think a lot of him."

He added: "If you look at the statistics around how many times you have to change your goalkeeper, it's not something you need to panic about.

"But sometimes it does feel like if there's going to be a day that happens, it's the day we don't have one on the bench.

"I thought that was coming true, but Jimmy did great after he grew into the game and it's a great clean sheet."

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