THE Pilgrims are thrown into the thick of things with two games this week, starting in the League tomorrow with a visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers (3.00 pm).

Mick McCarthy's squad narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs on goal difference during the last campaign, and will be looking to go at least one better this time around.

Paul Sturrock's Plymouth Argyle side will also come face-to-face with the formidable Sylvan Ebanks-Blake tomorrow – the former Manchester United striker who left Home Park in January to continue his scoring form with Wolves, ending as the Coca-Cola Championship's top marksman with 23 goals.

The match will also give Argyle defender Krisztian Timar – if he is picked – the chance to exorcise his demons.

The influential Hungarian, who recently signed a three-year deal with the Greens, suffered an horrific head injury when the sides met on the final day of last season at Molineux – but has made a remarkable recovery, even sporting the captain's armband for the Pilgrims' last two pre-season friendlies... he will also be hoping to establish the skipper's role as his own for the season.

That final-day clash in May saw McCarthy's boys grab a late 1-0 win, but Argyle managed a 1-1 draw when Wolves visited Devon back in September, 2007.

On Tuesday, the Green Army travel to Kenilworth Road as they kick off their Carling Cup campaign against Luton Town (7.45 pm).

The Hatters have been docked a staggering 30 points prior to the start of the League Two season, due to going into administration, and a run in a Cup competition could really help out Mick Harford's side financially.

Record

Argyle have only lost one out of the last six League encounters against Luton, and exited the Carling Cup at the third-round stage last season with a 1-0 defeat at Premiership giants West Ham United, following victories at home to Wycombe Wanderers (2-1) and Doncaster Rovers (2-1) in the first and second rounds respectively.

Meanwhile, the club have broken their transfer fee record with the signing of defensive midfielder Simon Walton from Queen's Park Rangers.

The actual figure is undisclosed, but it surpasses the £500,000 paid to Cardiff City for striker Steve MacLean in January.

The 20-year-old, who began his career with his hometown team Leeds United, admitted: 'The move is massive.

'During the past year with injuries, I've hit bit of a brick wall – so I think this is an ideal place to get back on track and get where I want to be personally and as part of the team as well.'

Despite his tender age, Walton has already played at Home Park for several different clubs, and knows full well what a difficult place Home Park is to visit.

'I played here five times and I know that players don't really want to come here because it's very difficult,' he said.

'It's also been hostile at times, to say the least, which is a good thing if you're on the home team!'

Sturrock revealed: 'As I've said before, I think a football team is a jigsaw puzzle – and I think that when certain pieces come up, it's important you try and grab them.

'We've been looking in the market for this kind of midfield player – and his age is of great benefit as well. He's got a range of passes, he's good in the air and he's got all that a sitting midfielder needs.

'The laddy has been shunted from pillar to post and it's important to bed him down to a 40-games-plus season... then we'll get fantastic service from him.

'He has all the pedigree to kick on and, if he listens, which I'm sure he will, he's got the chance to be a fantastic player and have a fantastic career. He'll be included on Saturday – and he's going to play, unless he falls over! It's a baptism of fire, so he'll hopefully swim rather than sink.'