McCormick going to be ‘valuable’ addition

RYAN Lowe is expecting strong competition between Michael Cooper and Luke McCormick to be Plymouth Argyle’s first choice goalkeeper in 2020/21.

The highly-rated Cooper, 20, is destined for the top, according to the Pilgrims’ boss.

After being the back-up to loan signing Alex Palmer last season, Cooper will now battle it out with 36-year-old McCormick for a place in the starting line-up.

McCormick has returned to Argyle for a third spell with the club after spending the last two seasons at Swindon Town.

Swindon offered him a new contract but McCormick jumped at the chance to re-sign for the Pilgrims.

Lowe said: “When I spoke to him on the phone he basically told me he would love nothing better than to come back, and that was good enough for me.

“He’s not just coming here to sit on the bench. He’s coming here to push Michael Cooper.

“He’s coming here to help Michael Cooper, but also he’s coming here as one of two goalkeepers.”

Lowe continued: “We feel we have brought a legend back to the club. Not just because of his status but because of what he can do in goal.

“We are pleased to have him. He’s going to be valuable – not just for the football club but also he’s going to be valuable for his teammates because he’s a leader.”

Palmer was an ever present for Argyle last season and has since been rewarded for the progress he showed with the Pilgrims with a new three-year contract at Premier League new boys West Bromwich Albion, who clinched promotion after finishing as runners-up to Leeds United in the Championship.