Town keeper Neil Alexander has denied Stoke boss Tony Pulis's claim that his side ought to have been awarded a penalty late in Saturday's game when the Scottish international clashed with Potters sub Jon Parkin.

Alexander said: "It was never a penalty. I didn't touch him. Their player just fell on me and I've got the stud marks on my head to prove it."

Meanwhile, Town target David Norris is reported to be deciding this week whether to stay with Plymouth or join one of the clubs interested in signing him. Town had their initial offer of £1 million rising to £1.5 million turned down but continue to talk with the Pligrims, while Norwich City, Leicester, Crystal Palace and Southampton have also been linked.

Boss Jim Magilton says that if he doesn't land his preferred new signings he has other players in mind: “You're hopeful that you're going to get the right ones in, if they don't come along then you've got to go to plan B then plan C.

“We've got a few irons in the fire and we're hopeful, but patience isn't one of my greatest virtues and it's pretty frustrating at the moment. But it's all part and parcel of this wonderful job that I'm in.”

The latest name mentioned in connection with the Blues is young Liverpool defender Jack Hobbs, although the story appears to have come merely from speculation on the TWTD Message Board. The highly-rated 19-year-old may be available on loan.

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