Rami Al Hajj ready to start Plymouth Argyle games declares Wayne Rooney

Rami Al Hajj will come into contention for his first Plymouth Argyle start when they take on Luton Town in a Sky-televised clash at Home Park on Friday night, head coach Wayne Rooney has confirmed.

The 22-year-old Swedish midfielder has shown early promising signs in two substitute appearances since joining the Pilgrims on transfer deadline day. That includes coming off the bench in the 67th minute of the 1-0 defeat by Championship table-toppers West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Al Hajj had previously not played any football since he was with Danish club Odense last season and Rooney has been cautious not to ask too much too soon from him in terms of match minutes.

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However, when Rooney was asked by Plymouth Live after the defeat by West Brom when Al Hajj would be up to speed to start games for Argyle, the Pilgrims' boss replied: "He's ready from now.

"My decision on not playing him today was - and I have said this to the players - I felt the first game of the season (the 4-0 defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday) I probably played too many of the new signings, and players who haven't played in this division, at once.

"I think with Rami today was the first experience of coming away from home in the Championship. I think it was the right decision to leave him on the bench, and see and feel the atmosphere, and what we want.

"Also it gives us another week to work with him and build his fitness up. We have to remember he hasn't played a game since April so I think that's important as well, that we protect him. From now, he's ready and available to play."

Argyle have good balance and penetration in wide attacking positions with Ibrahim Cissoko and Morgan Whittaker, but filling the number 10 role between them this season has proved to be a problem, as it has been ever since Finn Azaz left in January.

Rooney said: "We have tried to fill the number 10 position with two players. Last week we did it with Callum (Wright) and Darko (Gyabi), which I felt was right in the game against Sunderland.

"Forshy (Adam Forshaw) was a little bit more advanced today but also having the opportunity to go and play alongside Rands (Adam Randell) at the right time. We are filling the number 10 position but it's about having players of real quality in there who know how to unlock defences.

"I think what we have got is very good ball carriers. Having someone with a little bit of guile, with through balls and little things like that, makes a difference and gives us options. Rami is a good player, that's why we signed him, and he will be ready to play on Friday. Whether I pick him or not is another matter."

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