Rupert
06-12-2003, 04:07 AM
From the Plymouth "Evening Herald"
www.thisisplymouth.co.uk
BENT'S BEST YET TO COME
Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock believes the best is yet to come from Canadian international midfielder Jason Bent.
Injuries have disrupted Bent's progress for the Pilgrims since he arrived at Home Park in September 2001.
He has been limited to 45 league games over the past two seasons, much to the frustration of the former Colorado Rapids star.
Sturrock has still been pleased with Bent's contribution but feels he can become even more influential to the team.
"It's going to be a big season for Jason," said the Argyle manager.
"He has had some niggling injuries over the last two years which have taken three months out of each season.
"We haven't really seen him at his best for us, although he has shown glimpses of what he can achieve.
"I'm looking forward to him having a good season and hopefully no injuries."
Sturrock warned though that no-one was guaranteed first-team football next season - including Bent.
"There is a lot of competition for places in midfield, with Jason, Stevie Adams, David Friio and David Norris.
"We have also got Tony Capaldi, David Beresford, Brian McGlinchey and Martin Phillips all pushing for slots in there.
"As I always say at this time of year, the slate is clean for all the players.
"The message is 'if you want to play in the team go and get yourself picked through your performances'.
"That's not to say there might not be times where I will go with horses for courses but, generally, if people do the business they will get selected."
Bent is having a short summer break before playing for Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA and Mexico next month.
The Canadians have been drawn in Group D with Costa Rica and Cuba.
They will play both of their group games at the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, near Boston.
Canada will face Costa Rica on July 12 and Cuba two days later, with the group winners qualifying for the quarter-finals at Gillette Stadium on July 19.
The semi-finals will be played in Miami and Mexico City on July 24 and 25 respectively.
Mexico City will be the venue for the final on July 27.
Bent will miss Argyle's pre-season training camp in Austria should the Canadians reach the later stages of the Gold Cup.
www.thisisplymouth.co.uk
BENT'S BEST YET TO COME
Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock believes the best is yet to come from Canadian international midfielder Jason Bent.
Injuries have disrupted Bent's progress for the Pilgrims since he arrived at Home Park in September 2001.
He has been limited to 45 league games over the past two seasons, much to the frustration of the former Colorado Rapids star.
Sturrock has still been pleased with Bent's contribution but feels he can become even more influential to the team.
"It's going to be a big season for Jason," said the Argyle manager.
"He has had some niggling injuries over the last two years which have taken three months out of each season.
"We haven't really seen him at his best for us, although he has shown glimpses of what he can achieve.
"I'm looking forward to him having a good season and hopefully no injuries."
Sturrock warned though that no-one was guaranteed first-team football next season - including Bent.
"There is a lot of competition for places in midfield, with Jason, Stevie Adams, David Friio and David Norris.
"We have also got Tony Capaldi, David Beresford, Brian McGlinchey and Martin Phillips all pushing for slots in there.
"As I always say at this time of year, the slate is clean for all the players.
"The message is 'if you want to play in the team go and get yourself picked through your performances'.
"That's not to say there might not be times where I will go with horses for courses but, generally, if people do the business they will get selected."
Bent is having a short summer break before playing for Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA and Mexico next month.
The Canadians have been drawn in Group D with Costa Rica and Cuba.
They will play both of their group games at the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, near Boston.
Canada will face Costa Rica on July 12 and Cuba two days later, with the group winners qualifying for the quarter-finals at Gillette Stadium on July 19.
The semi-finals will be played in Miami and Mexico City on July 24 and 25 respectively.
Mexico City will be the venue for the final on July 27.
Bent will miss Argyle's pre-season training camp in Austria should the Canadians reach the later stages of the Gold Cup.