Tom Cleverley wants “complete clarity” over Plymouth Argyle’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Conor Hazard set to play against Tottenham Hotspur under-21s on Tuesday night.
The manager will choose later this week between Hazard and Luca Ashby-Hammond after a spell in which Argyle have conceded too often despite flashes of promise.
Hazard’s Comeback Starts the Shoot-Out
Conor Hazard has recovered from a knee ligament injury suffered on international duty with Northern Ireland against Denmark in Copenhagen in early June, and was back on the bench for the 1-0 defeat to Peterborough United.
His first minutes back are scheduled for the Vertu Trophy tie at Home Park, a staging post before Cleverley makes a longer-term call.
“Conor will play on Tuesday. In the next few days it’s an important time for who is going to be the number one. What’s important for me is there is complete clarity after this week who is the number one. I will make that decision later in the week,” said Cleverley.
The manager stressed that the choice is not automatic, even with an international returning to the squad.
“No-one is saying that he walks into the team. I have not seen Conor play a game of football yet. We will have to see how he is.”
Ashby-Hammond’s Case: Penalty Save, Heavy Workload
Luca Ashby-Hammond has started 12 straight games in all competitions, keeping two clean sheets but also conceding 21 goals in a period marked by defensive instability. Against Peterborough, he saved a first-half penalty from Harry Leonard, only for the visitors to score soon after when he pushed out a Peter Kioso shot and Jimmy-Jay Morgan finished the rebound.
However, the manager admitted Ashby-Hammond has grown into the role since arriving on a one-year deal.
“I think Luca’s performance levels have improved and improved as he has settled into the shirt. It’s not a straightforward decision but I’m glad Conor is back and he gives us something different in terms of protecting the goal and protecting the box.
“Like I said, I need a few more days for that decision but I think after that it’s not a position you want to chop and change. You need to be firm on that one.”
Writer’s View
This is the right moment to call the contest. Hazard’s pedigree and presence should raise the ceiling in the penalty area, but Ashby-Hammond’s recent penalty save and growing composure count as real points in his favour.
Cleverley is correct to anchor the decision in defensive structure as much as shot-stopping. Argyle need stability, leadership and cleaner box management, not rotation. If Hazard comes through Tuesday with sharpness and command, the international’s profile likely tips it. If there is any rust, sticking with Ashby-Hammond a little longer makes sense.
Either way, clarity now should help tighten the goals-against column and settle a back line that has been asked to endure too much turbulence.
