Sturrock is expecting to make changes for the trip to Gillingham

Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock hailed his players' spirit after seeing them draw 1-1 with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Plymouth took the lead through Krisztian Timar but were pegged back by an Alan Lee header after the break.

"The players attitude was different class and their team spirit was excellent," Sturrock told BBC Sport.

"If somebody had told me I was getting a draw in the first game, away from home at Crystal Palace, I'd be happy."

But the Scot said various aspects of his side's game need to improve ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup clash with Gillingham.

He said: "I was very pleased with the first half which was what we were looking for, but I felt we diverted attention to Rory [Fallon] too much as the game developed.

"It'll be a difficult game against Gillingham because they're coming off the back of a 5-0 win and are on a superb high.

606: DEBATE I came back a very happy fan at what was a great day away greenpafcpete

"There'll be a couple of changes to the squad, but nothing outrageous."

One player who will not make the trip to Gillingham is Carl Fletcher, who picked up an injury on Saturday.

The Welsh midfielder retired from international football on Sunday, a decision Sturrock made during his own career.

Sturrock said: "It's a big decision by any footballer and I made it myself but was then recalled about a year later to play another three more games.

"Being selfish, I'm very pleased about the situation, but I can understand where he's coming from and it's a big step for him."

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