ARGYLE FOCUS BY ROSS REID

New season-long loan signing Stuart O’Keefe’s first game in green could be tomorrow’s eagerly-anticipated clash along the South Coast at League One pacesetters Portsmouth

Argyle were still awaiting international clearance from the Wales FA ahead of the League Cup tie at Millwall for the 27-year-old Cardiff City midfielder, loaned to Pompey last season.

O’Keefe was at Home Park to see Argyle beaten 5-1 by the Football League’s most successful starters this term, Peterborough.

The Posh were gifted two goals in 11 minutes and from then on it was always going to take something special for the greens to win the match.

They tried.

Graham Carey hit the post and had a header saved on the line, Niall Canavan – whose loose pass led to the second goal – almost atoned and if Argyle had gone in level at the break few, including Posh boss Steve Evans, would have cause to complain.

Unfortunately Argyle did not turn their possession into goals and were 4-0 down within 10 minutes of the second half and – as greens boss Derek Adams conceded – it was game over.

Following their 3-2 defeat at Millwall, Argyle will be seeking their first league win of the season as they head to Fratton Park tomorrow.

Argyle also start tomorrow’s match at the foot of League One.

Supporters can be forgiven for a sense of déjà vu.

Following the defeat by Peterborough, Adams reminded us “we were bottom in December last year and finished seventh”.

Critics will argue that it is rare to repeat that sort of feat.

Adams supporters realise bedding in 11 new signings is never easy.

Following a 5-1 defeat by the league leaders possibly the last two places Argyle would choose to go is to their nearest rivals.

The Green Army don’t sort out the fixtures list, the Football League do.

Tomorrow Portsmouth. Next Saturday Bristol Rovers, away.

It doesn’t get any easier.

I keep thinking “it’s a marathon not a sprint” “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.

The only way is up.