Kevin Gallen Looks Forward & Looks Back. Claims QPR Team Spirit "Almost Non-Exisitent"

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Western Morning News -REPAYING THE FAITH

Kevin Gallen has admitted he is ready to repay the faith shown in him by Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway by helping fire the Pilgrims into play-off contention this season.

The 31-year-old striker, who has joined Argyle on loan until the end of the season from Coca-Cola Championship rivals Queen's Park Rangers, netted his maiden goal for the Greens in Monday night's 3-2 home win over Coventry City, a result which has left the Devon outfit just four points off the play-off spots.

Gallen's 18th-minute strike against managerless City ensured it was a dream start to his fledgling career at Home Park, but the experienced frontman insists he is keen to build on what has been an encouraging start to his stay with Argyle.

"It was very pleasing to score on my home debut," said Gallen after the final whistle. "I think every club I've played for, I've always scored in my second game."

Sure enough, Gallen's memory is as sound as his finishing. Having had a goal chalked off on his Rangers debut against Manchester United on the opening day of the 1994/95 season, his wait to open his account lasted just a few days as he netted in a home game against Sheffield Wednesday at Loftus Road.

From there, Gallen has continued to produce at whatever club he has played for. For Huddersfield, Barnsley and again at QPR, the former England Under-21 international has always netted for his employers inside two games.

It was therefore fitting that Gallen should continue his footballing trend in Devon on Monday evening. He added: "It was very tough conditions out there and the pitch was very heavy. However, I felt we deserved to win the game.

"We have got six points in two games, so it's been a great start for me at the club. I just hope it continues to go as well. Certainly the play-offs are a possibility, there is no doubt about that, but it's alright talking about, it's the three points that really matter."

With an FA Cup fourth round trip to Barnet to come this Saturday, then successive away-days at West Brom and Wolves, Gallen knows the next fortnight is a crucial period for the Pilgrims.

"We've got some tough games coming away from home, especially West Brom. They are as good as anyone in the division, especially attacking wise," said Gallen.

"We'll have to see what happens in those games, but at the same time continue to pick up points at home."

Indeed, having experienced the long trek down to the Westcountry as a visiting player in the past, Gallen admitted it was different to experience Home Park as an Argyle player.

"It was good to be on the other side of things," he conceded. "It's a long journey for a lot of teams coming down here and it's one that teams don't relish. It definitely gives you an upper hand and you have to make the most of it."

Gallen also admits he has settled well to life in the Westcountry and working again under the guidance of Holloway, who brought him back to QPR for a second spell in November 2001.

"This is twice now that Ollie has come and got me when things have not been going well for me," added the Hammersmith-born forward. "The first time we were together was at QPR, who were having a bad run at the time. He took me back there and I went and played some of my best football.

"We sort of helped each other out, I helped him and he helped me, so hopefully it will be the same again. Obviously Plymouth weren't in the same situation as when I went back to QPR, but I know Ollie will help me. I have a lot of trust in him and I will try and repay that to him."

Monday's opening goal was certainly a step in the right direction for Gallen, who is one of a number of players battling it out for a starting spot in Holloway's match-day squad.

His arrival, plus the capture of Kiwi Rory Fallon from Swansea City and fellow loanee Scott Sinclair from Chelsea, has helped swell Holloway's options up front. However, Gallen insists he's ready to battle for a starting spot.

"I think we've got a mix of everything," he said. "It's good to have competition for places as it keeps everyone on their toes. It means whoever is starting knows they have to play well because there are people on the sidelines waiting to come in. Hopefully, scoring a goal tonight, might help me keep my place for Saturday."

One man delighted with the contribution put in by Gallen so far is Holloway, who added: "He's a good player, he's a good fellow, and he's getting fitter. He's got a great brain, and he can play absolutely anywhere. In conditions like those on Monday night, you've got to know what you're doing, and I thought he did."

Home comforts, like his link-up with Holloway is something Gallen is glad to have back in his life - and is a far cry from the surroundings he has left behind in West London.

"The lads have been magnificent and the team spirit down here is tremendous compared to where I've just come from, where it was almost non-existent," added Gallen, who has netted over 100 league goals in his career. "Everyone is pulling together and I have to say it's a credit to the club and the players." Western Morning News