Plymouth Argyle’s deadline day acquisition of Herbie Kane signalled a strategic move to integrate fresh impetus into a squad that has demonstrated steady progress and improved form since the turn of the year.
The plan for Tom Cleverley was always to gradually integrate him into the team, carefully managing his return as he recovers from a significant groin injury that has curtailed his season at Huddersfield Town.
The 27-year-old made his Pilgrims debut off the bench in the 4-1 home defeat to Lincoln City, where he was able to get a crucial 15 minutes into his legs as the Greens chased the game.
His new head coach has shed some light on his plans for just how he will bring his newest creative spark up to full speed as quickly as possible.
Plymouth Argyle Boss Provides Return Timeline
Cleverley has identified the upcoming midweek away fixture against Leyton Orient as a potential opportunity for Kane to make his maiden start for the club.
The 36-year-old head coach is aiming to give the former Liverpool player approximately half a game in Saturday’s lengthy trip to Blackpool, as part of his ongoing and carefully managed reintroduction to competitive action.
In comments published by the Plymouth Herald, he states that the earliest the Green Army will see Kane in his starting eleven will be at Brisbane Road on 17th February.
“The ideal scenario would now be to get 45 into Herbie, and then the next game he would be able to start…, More than likely, he will get the minutes he needs against Blackpool to then be free to start.”
Nerves seem to be resurfacing at Home Park, as their momentum has stalled following consecutive defeats to Stockport County and the humbling at the hands of the Imps.
The team is hopeful that the imminent integration of the Bristolian into their midfield will help them rediscover their newfound rigid structure.
Kane’s Aptitude For Passing Can Only Benefit Plymouth Argyle
Although Kane may need some time to fully recapture his polished form, his footballing know-how and tenacious grit are sure to immediately strike a chord with the Green Army.
Plymouth Argyle were particularly drawn to Kane’s potential to transform their defensive play into potent attacking opportunities. It’s an area where they have struggled this term, especially since Joe Ralls succumbed to a hamstring injury, having created a huge impact when he arrived in November.
Kane’s arrival provides both immediate cover for Ralls and the exciting prospect of a dynamic partnership with the 32-year-old when he eventually returns.
In a season majorly disrupted by injury, Kane does boast some impressive passing numbers, making good use of his limited minutes. According to FotMob, he has completed 84% of his attempted passes this term for the Terriers, which bodes well for those all-important possession turnovers in the coming weeks.
The Pilgrims’ striker trio of Lorent Tolaj, Bim Pepple, and Owen Oseni thrive on those precise through balls, with a portfolio of one-on-one goals from this campaign available as proof of that fact. The capture of Kane, then, takes on added significance, with the former Barnsley hero completing 60% of his attempted long passes this season.
The potential for a goal-filled finale to the season is very real, provided Tolaj makes a swift recovery and Pepple’s weekend facial injury proves to be minor.
Work Rate To Go Down A Storm In Devon
It is his incessant work rate that should see him slide seamlessly into Plymouth’s high-octane pressing game. The tactic of applying pressure to opposing centre-backs on the ball to provide clear-cut chances for their forwards is a popular one at Home Park.
Having played for various teams to achieve success in the third tier, Kane is well-equipped to quickly react to a triggered press without jeopardizing the defensive setup of the side.
Provided he remains at full fitness after his lengthy rehab, Kane can reinvigorate his career in a loan spell that could reap benefits for both the player himself and Plymouth Argyle.