The George Cooper conundrum for Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe to try and solve

The talented Peterborough United loan signing has been on the bench for the last five games

Ryan Lowe has admitted that Plymouth Argyle loan signing George Cooper has given him food for thought over a possible return to his starting line-up.

Cooper provided a creative spark for the Pilgrims when he played as a second half substitute in the away League Two game against Cambridge United on Saturday.

It was not enough to save them from a 1-0 defeat at the Abbey Stadium, but Cooper staked a claim for a first team place.

The versatile 23-year-old was Plymouth Live’s Argyle player-of-the-month for October but has been on the bench for the last five games.

Cooper played at right wing-back after replacing Joe Edwards in the 65th minute at Cambridge.

The loan signing from Peterborough United has also previously been used by Lowe in one of the central midfield roles in his favoured 3-1-4-2 formation.

Lowe said: “It has been a bit frustrating for George because he came in and had a wonderful four games – or three-and-a-half, I would say.

“We know what George gives us. He gives us that quality and it’s one of them – where do you find George in his best position?

“Is it wing-back? Is it one of the number eight slots? But, as you have seen, the eights in Danny Mayor and (Antoni) Sarcevic have been outstanding.

“The wing-backs have been outstanding but, yes, it definitely gives you food for thought (the way he played against Cambridge).

Cooper gave Argyle an extra attacking impetus when he was sent on for Edwards.

Lowe said: “That’s why we put him on there, to get up and down that right side, coming in on his left foot.

“We have to look at the overall package and (Callum) McFadzean has been outstanding on the left side and Joe Edwards on the right side.

“It’s tough to balance, but we know what George gives us.

“Defensively, he’s not quite switched on as much as I would like but that’s because he’s an attacking player.

“He always gives us food for thought. He’s a superb talent.”

Cooper was the second of three substitutes used by Lowe against Cambridge, with Joel Grant the first one when he replaced Conor Grant in the 55th minute.

Grant went up front with Dom Telford while Byron Moore moved to the left wing-back role.

Then, in the 73rd minute, striker Billy Clarke replaced Telford, who had started his first match since late September after a hamstring injury.

Lowe said: “Joel came on just after half-time and gave us food for thought. Byron going out on the left gave us food for thought.

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“They all give us food for thought when they come on and give us an impact.

“Billy didn’t have much to do but he came on and got hold of the ball. That’s what I want, when my players are coming off the bench to have an impact.

“They certainly did that but it just wasn’t to be that we could get an equaliser.”