Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley has expressed his satisfaction with the early impressions made by forwards Tegan Finn and Caleb Roberts following their loan moves to Torquay United, describing both as being at a "key time" in their development.

Bright debuts at Maidenhead

The duo made their Torquay debuts on Tuesday evening as the National League South side thrashed Maidenhead United 4-0. Roberts started the match, while Finn came off the bench to score and register an assist, providing an encouraging early sign for both player and parent club.

"I've had good reports for the pair of them from the game," Cleverley told reporters. "It's a very good level that they're playing and they've got expectations to be in the top six, maybe even the top two or three. So it's good experience in transferring that to what we want to be and it's important that they experience that."

The Plymouth boss was clear about his targets for both players in terms of minutes this season. "This year's a key time in their careers and they have to play 25-30 games this season," he said.

Torquay's ambition a key selling point

Roberts had previously spent time in the National League on loan at Truro City, alongside fellow Argyle youngster Freddie Issaka. The move to Torquay technically represents a step down in terms of league level, but Cleverley said the ambition of the club was a decisive factor in selecting the destination.

"Caleb obviously did well in the National League and he was going back a level, which we didn't particularly want, but their ambitions and the size of the club was a key factor in getting him that experience," the Plymouth manager said.

Cleverley drew on his own career as a loan player to underline the thinking behind the club's approach to developing its younger talent. "I'm a guy who went out on loan three times and each one gave me something different, so we are hand-picking their loans carefully and wisely for their development and hopefully get them back closer to our first team," he said.

Issaka also set for regular football

Away from the Torquay loans, Cleverley also spoke about the plans for winger Freddie Issaka, who has joined National League side Gateshead on loan. The 20-year-old Wales youth international made 14 appearances at Truro City during the second half of last season, following an earlier loan at Bristol Rovers that did not go to plan.

"The plan is for Freddie to do the same and get 25, 30 games this season for his development," Cleverley said. "I think we forget still how young Freddie is and he's got a lot of progress in him. He's got a great attitude to reach that potential."

The clear message from Cleverley is that Plymouth are managing the trio's development with care and purpose. All three are understood to be on temporary deals, with the expectation that regular playing time at ambitious non-league clubs will prepare them for involvement in the League One squad in due course. Argyle's focus remains on maintaining their strong start to the third-tier season, with loans forming part of a broader strategy to build depth within the squad.

Frequently asked

Where have Plymouth Argyle sent Tegan Finn and Caleb Roberts on loan?
Both Finn and Roberts have joined National League South side Torquay United on loan from Plymouth Argyle for the 2026-27 season.
How did Finn and Roberts do on their Torquay debut?
Roberts started and Finn came on as a substitute in Torquay's 4-0 win at Maidenhead United, with Finn scoring and contributing an assist in the match.
Where has Freddie Issaka gone on loan from Plymouth Argyle?
Freddie Issaka has joined National League club Gateshead on loan, with Plymouth boss Tom Cleverley aiming for the 20-year-old to make 25-30 appearances this season.