Oliver Irow has scored three goals in his last two matches for Plymouth Argyle, with his brace in a 4-2 win at Blackpool helping the club climb to fourth in League One on 13 points. The 20-year-old Tottenham Hotspur loanee has now netted four times in six appearances this season, providing a direct attacking threat that manager Tom Cleverley has praised.
Cleverley highlighted Irow's confidence and output after the winger's performance at Bloomfield Road, where he also completed 77 minutes, won five ground duels and was fouled three times. "He's really confident, he really believes in himself that he can impact the games," the Plymouth boss said. Irow's second goal came from a loose cross at the back post in the first half, capping a display that followed a goal in the 3-0 victory over Barnsley.
Loan context and future
Irow joined Argyle on a season-long loan which includes a clause allowing Tottenham to recall him in January. His parent club, bottom of the Premier League, are reviewing their options after a significant squad overhaul. Cleverley has expressed a clear desire to keep the player at Home Park if his form continues, pointing to the model of successful loans like Amario Cozier-Duberry's spell at Bolton.
The winger's contribution is part of a strong recent run for Plymouth, whose form reads four wins and one loss from their last five matches. They sit just two points behind leaders Bradford City. Irow previously scored four goals in 17 games for Mansfield Town during a loan spell last season. Harvey White, a former Tottenham academy graduate, also scored in the win at Blackpool with a strike from the edge of the box.
Irow will be aiming to extend his scoring run as Argyle look to maintain their push near the top of the table, with their current standings showing a positive goal difference of three.
The original report is at bbc.com
