Sturrock eyes big test

Plymouth Argyle boss Paul Sturrock believes February will prove a crucial month for the Pilgrims' play-off chances.

Sturrock's men face a string of promotion rivals over the next few weeks, including Oldham, Cardiff and Luton.

"This month will determine whether we are having a right go at the play-offs or we are in big transition," he said.

"If we are going to be in the shake-up, we have to get some positive results in the next few games.

Bernard stays on

"We want to get to 52 points as quickly as possible - that is still my main target for the season," he told the Plymouth Evening Herald.

Meanwhile, the Argyle manager feels midfielder Paul Bernard will benefit from more run outs with the reserves - rather than sitting on the first-team bench.

The former Scottish international extended his stay at Home Park until the end of the season last week.

The 30-year-old battled his way back from 27 months out with a career-threatening Achilles injury to win a deal with Plymouth.

But Sturrock feels he needs time to step up his fitness and misses Tuesday's trip to Second Division strugglers Huddersfield Town.

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