Rising to challenge

WAYNE Rooney thought Conor Hazard proved his capabilities as a goalkeeper with an outstanding display in Plymouth Argyle’s hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Queens Park Rangers.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

The Northern Ireland international made a number of excellent saves, perhaps the pick of them when he swopped low to his left to push away a close range header from Sam Field in the second half, which came moments after he had dived full length to push away a volley from Steve Cook.

His efforts, as well as that of his team-mates, earned the Pilgrims a point at rain-soaked Loftus Road despite having Adam Forshaw and Freddie Issaka sent-off.

Argyle completed the signing of goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw from League One outfit Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £600,000 plus add-ons, on Friday but not in time for the 26-year-old to be eligible to be involved against QPR.

Hazard started his fourth successive match for the Pilgrims and produced one of his best performances for the club – if not the best – since joining from Celtic last summer.

Rooney said: “How we are trying to improve the squad, I want to create a real competition for places. Obviously, Dan came in... and we didn’t get the paperwork back in time to have him available... and Conor has shown what a really good goalkeeper he is.

“He made some fantastic saves....”