Plymouth manager Tom Cleverley believes Tottenham prospect Oliver Irow has what it takes to step up to the Championship next season, following a red-hot start to his loan spell. Capable of playing out wide or centrally, Irow has already netted four goals in six appearances for Argyle across all competitions, including three in his last two League One outings as Plymouth climbed to third in the table.
Cleverley has been full of praise for the youngster, telling BBC Radio Devon that Irow carries real self-belief and has settled in quickly with both teammates and fans. The manager said the focus for now should stay on delivering a strong season in League One, with a step up to the Championship a realistic target for next year if things continue on this path.
Among his standout moments was a long-range strike against Barnsley, regarded as one of the best goals in the division so far, and his willingness to shoot from distance has helped boost his tally. He’s already matched the four goals he scored last term during a loan spell at fellow third-tier side Mansfield Town.
Cleverley also confirmed that Tottenham hold a recall option for January, which could see Irow either return to the club or, more likely, be loaned out to a higher-division side. Drawing on his own playing background, the former Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton and Watford midfielder pointed to examples of promising loanees being recalled too early, only for things not to work out — citing Amario Cozier-Duberry’s stay at Bolton as a case where patience paid off before a strong move to Middlesbrough followed. While cautious about looking too far ahead, Cleverley said both Plymouth and Tottenham are pleased with how things are progressing so far.
