Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley says he could not be happier with the impact Tottenham Hotspur loanee Oliver Irow has made since arriving at Home Park, with the 20-year-old winger netting three times in his past two League One appearances.

A loanee who has hit the ground running

Irow arrived at Plymouth on a season-long loan deal, and his early form has done nothing but vindicate the decision to bring him in. Three goals in two games is a return that would satisfy any forward, let alone a young winger still establishing himself in the professional game.

"He's really confident, he really believes in himself that he can impact the games," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon. "He knows that the lads and the fans and the staff have accepted him very quickly as a person and a player."

This is not the first time Irow has shown that kind of burst in front of goal. During a loan spell at Mansfield Town in the second half of last season, he scored four goals in 17 third-tier appearances, with two of those coming in his final two matches. That late flourish suggested there was more to come, and Plymouth appear to be benefiting from a player who has carried that momentum into the new campaign.

January recall clause adds an element of uncertainty

For all the optimism surrounding Irow's form, Cleverley is aware that the situation carries a note of caution. There is a recall clause in the loan agreement that would allow Tottenham to bring Irow back to north London in January should they wish to do so.

The Plymouth boss, though, is hoping to make a compelling case for him to stay. He pointed to how Brighton handled Amario Cozier-Duberry's loan at Bolton Wanderers last season as a model worth following. Cozier-Duberry, despite interest from Championship clubs in January, remained at Bolton for the full campaign before moving to Middlesbrough the following summer, where he made a strong start.

"I've seen so many examples where parent clubs recall and then you're kicking yourself because he's gone to the new club and not played," Cleverley said. "You look at what Bolton did with Cozier-Duberry last year, there was a lot of talk about him going to the Championship in January. He stayed, he had a fantastic full season, the next year he's gone to Middlesbrough and started really strongly."

The logic is straightforward: consistent minutes in League One, surrounded by a settled group who believe in him, may ultimately serve Irow's development better than a premature step up to the Championship bench.

Cleverley keeping Spurs in the loop

Cleverley revealed that he is in regular contact with Tottenham about Irow's progress, a detail that suggests the relationship between the two clubs is a collaborative one rather than simply a temporary arrangement. Keeping the parent club informed and onside is likely to be a key part of persuading them that Home Park remains the right environment for their youngster beyond the New Year window.

"We're speaking a long way down the line," the Plymouth manager acknowledged, "Ollie's got a lot of hard work to do and keep this run going, but we're pleased and so are Spurs."

Cleverley also offered an indication of what a successful loan campaign could look like for the player, suggesting that consistent League One form this term might earn Irow a Championship move next season. That is both a target and a carrot, framing the rest of 2025-26 as a genuine opportunity for a young winger who has shown, in the past fortnight, that he is capable of seizing it.

For Plymouth, the immediate priority is straightforward: keep Irow fit, keep him confident, and keep Tottenham convinced that Home Park is where he belongs.

Frequently asked

Who is Oliver Irow at Plymouth Argyle?
Oliver Irow is a 20-year-old winger on a season-long loan at Plymouth Argyle from Tottenham Hotspur. He has scored three goals in his past two League One appearances for the club.
Can Tottenham recall Oliver Irow in January?
Yes. There is a clause in Irow's season-long loan deal that allows Tottenham Hotspur to recall him in January. Plymouth boss Tom Cleverley is hopeful that strong form will persuade Spurs to leave him at Home Park.
How did Oliver Irow perform at Mansfield Town on loan?
Irow scored four goals in 17 League One appearances for Mansfield Town during the second half of last season, with two of those goals coming in his final two games for the club.