Adam Randell is a “future captain” at Plymouth Argyle according to head coach Wayne Rooney.
The 24-year-old midfielder scored the Pilgrims’ equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Rooney’s old club Derby County.
Having missed the last two matches with a thigh injury, the Argyle academy graduate returned to skipper the side in the absence of injured captain Joe Edwards.
“He’s Plymouth Argyle’s future captain,” Rooney said after Randell’s impressive 90 minutes at Pride Park.
“I think he’s got the right temperament, he’s a local lad which is always important as well.
“Everything he’s got as a player, the mindset and mentality is what I like.”
Randell’s goal was his first of the season and just his 10th in an Argyle career that saw him make his league debut in September 2019 as an 18-year-old.
He has gone on to make 144 appearances for the Pilgrims and also spent a formative season on loan at Torquay United where he helped them reach the 2021 National League promotion final.
“He’s an important player for us,” Rooney added after Saturday’s draw.
“I spoke to the physios, of course with any player coming back from injury there’s an element of risk, but we felt it was such an important game for us that if we could get him on the pitch we’d do that.
“Thankfully he’s come through, he’s fine, he’s got 90 minutes and got a goal, so [I’m] pleased for him.”