Plymouth are staking a major claim for a play-off place following Saturday's 3-1 win against Burnley at Home Park. That victory lifted Paul Sturrock's men to fifth in the Championship table and there are definite signs the Pilgrims are starting to make significant progress under the guidance of the experienced Scot. Givemefootball's Mark Shail logged the thoughts of winger Gary Teale, who has recently joined the club on loan from Premiership strugglers Derby. The 29-year-old Scotland international will spend the rest of the season at Plymouth and at the weekend he made his first start in the club's victory against the Clarets after making his debut as second half substitute in the last week's 2-0 win at Southampton.
Q:YOU MUST BE ENJOYING YOUR TIME AT PLYMOUTH AFTER THE LOAN SWITCH FROM PRIDE PARK?
A:Obviously we (Derby) have been struggling in the Premier League so it's nice to be part of something positive. The recent win at Southampton was only my second victory of the season (his first win came in Derby's 1-0 victory against Newcastle back in September).
Q:WAS THE CHANCE TO PLAY REGULAR FIRST TEAM FOOTBALL THE REASON WHEY YOU JOINED PLYMOUTH?
A:When you are a footballer, all you want to do is play week in, week out. I had been in and out of the team at Derby. I was playing but the gaffer (Paul Jewell) said I could be in and I could be out, and I didn't really want to be doing that. It's great to play in the Premier League – that's where everybody wants to play.
Q:WAS PAUL STURROCK A BIG INFLUENCE IN YOUR DECISION?
A:Paul Sturrock was a big influence in coming to Plymouth. I know him from back home and obviously, I know what he has done while he has been here. He has got a good reputation in the game. I like to play attacking football so he was a big draw as well.
Q:THE TEAM SPIRIT MUST BE VERY HIGH AMONGST THE PLYMOUTH PLAYERS AT PRESENT?
A:Obviously when you are winning it breeds confidence amongst everybody. Everyone has been laughing and joking, but there is a serious side once the matches come around. As I said, I'm just delighted to be part of something that is positive at the moment.
Q:WITH PLYMOUTH IN SUCH GOOD FORM RECENTLY, IT CAN'T HAVE BEEN EASY BREAKING INTO THEIR TEAM?
A:It's up to me to try and force myself into the team. The boys have been doing well and winning games. Nobody is guaranteed a place, no matter who you are anyway. But I will knuckle down, work hard and try to get a regular place in the side.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE WIN AGAINST BURNLEY?
A:They are one of our rivals pushing for a play-off place so we knew it would be a difficult game. I've played in this league long enough to know that every game is difficult, no matter who you are playing. It doesn't matter if you are playing against a team at the top of the table or the bottom of the table. But if we keep getting results away from home and we can win our home games, then, hopefully, we won't be too far away at the end of the season.
