Randell relishing his new role for Pilgrims

MIDFIELDER IS LEARNING A LOT UNDER HEAD COACH ROONEY

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

ADAM Randell has admitted he 'is learning a lot at the moment' in a new midfield role for Plymouth Argyle this season under head coach Wayne Rooney.

Randell celebrated his 24th birthday on Tuesday when the Pilgrims lost 1-0 away to Burnley in the Championship. As in recent games, he was deployed in a deeper position, often receiving passes from goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw around the edge of the penalty area and then looking to build up the play from there.

It is an important role in the team as Rooney has worked to implement his possession-based playing style into the team since taking charge this summer, and even away to a talented team such as Burnley the Pilgrims had 51 per cent of the ball, according to the match stats.

Randell was an unused substitute for the season-opening 4-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday but he has started every Championship match since then and has been given important responsibility by Rooney in the 'pivot' position. "I'm massively enjoying my football at the moment," said Randell.

"It's obviously going alright for me, and it's something that before the season started wasn't natural to me. I have had to learn it, and I'm still learning it as we go, but I feel like I'm picking up on it and making new strides every day.

"I'm learning a lot at the moment and progressing well I think. Hopefully that will continue and I keep being more consistent and playing well." Argyle were beaten by Burnley, who are now in second position in the table, after Josh Brownhill scored a 26th minute penalty, but they did not make it easy for the expected Championship title contenders.