Black Burnt:
Sam Gallagher in the Plymouth Argyle .
reunion
Sam Gallagher says he is feeling back to his best after the start of the season was delayed due to injury.
The 27-year-old was injured in pre-season and missed games against West Brom and Walsall.
He returned to action at Rotherham and made a few promising appearances off the bench, scoring his first goal of the season against Hull City.
Gallagher entered the starting line-up against Harrogate in midweek and managed for about an hour, making his way into the scoreboard with a cool finish from John Buckley’s clever cross.
“(Starting at Harrogate) is absolutely necessary, to have a few minutes of practice.
I feel good,” he said.
Rovers are gearing up for their third straight away game in six days, and the striker will be hoping they can keep their momentum going ahead of the international break.
“All three are different games,” he added.
“It was a great performance against Watford and then a completely different game (midweek).
“I am very happy that the young players played, they all showed their abilities.
We have to work again on Saturday.
“We see young boys training with us every day and you know they are good players, but training is different from a real game scenario.
“Watching them compete against men, it was a credit to them and really a little bit of confidence – how far they have come and the potential they have.
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Gallagher is currently preparing to return to a club he knows very well, having played in the ranks of Plymouth as a youngster.
“This is where I grew up and my youth team, from U10 to U16,” the 27-year-old recalls.
“It’s a club that has helped me grow up a lot.
Lots of great people, and a few are still there.
It would be nice to see each other again and see familiar faces again.
“We have a pretty good age and there are still some boys who are still playing.
Lloyd Jones has been involved with a number of decent Championship and League One clubs.
“There are a number of guys who joined Premier League teams after youth level but couldn’t get to the next level.
Christian Walton, he’s here on loan.
“We are of an older age and often blend in with the big boys when we play against Arsenal or any other Premier League team.
“It’s a great organization they have for young boys and I hope they will continue to produce such products as well.
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The Pilgrims won the League One title last season, scoring an impressive 100 points under Steven Schumacher.
The Devon Club have picked up four points from their opening four games in the Second Division, including a 3-1 win over Huddersfield in Round 1.
Gallagher continued: “I’m really looking forward to playing at Home Park.
“I grew up there and was always involved in club football, but I never acually played a game on the first team pitch.
It would be great to score a goal and win.
“I’m sure I wouldn’t realize that much, I can’t wait to see what they did.
The club is clearly in much better shape than when I left over 10 years ago.
Gallagher joined Rovers from Southampton in the summer of 2019 and was also at times widely used.
The 6’4 tall forward is a real player for the team and insists he is happy to support him wherever he is needed.
However, Gallagher admits he will enjoy the opportunity to play regularly in central position in the coming weeks and months as he looks to build on last season’s eight goals.
“Hopefully I get a few minutes in the middle of the game and with that some goals,” he said.
“Honestly, it’s not something I’m obsessed with.
I was also happy to meet Hull, I came on and played at left-back during the game but at the time I felt that was what the team needed.
“Influencing gameplay from any position is always a bonus.
Obviously, you want to play in your favorite position and in the position that you think suits you best.
I expect it to be in the middle, but who knows?
The 27-year-old recently became a dad and is enjoying this new chapter in his life, although he doesn’t mind being able to get a little break on the way to Plymouth.
“It’s exhausting,” he smiled.
“But yeah, it’s great.
My wife and I are clearly on the moon.
It’s been a big life change but we love it.
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