Morgan Whittaker interview: Plymouth Argyle forward on his childhood hero Neymar

It is not even 2024 yet and Morgan Whittaker has already achieved his targets for the season at Plymouth Argyle.

"I wanted to just get to double figures," the 22-year-old tells Sky Sports. "I got to double figures last season, so I just wanted to do the same. I need to push myself and try to get to 15 or 20.

"This time last year I was coming to the time where I was about to be recalled, and I was on nine goals and seven assists.

"So fast forward to now, I would have bitten your hand off to be here. I'm really happy with how the season's going and just wanted to continue."

Three goals already over the festive spell have taken him to 12 for the campaign for Plymouth Argyle, an incredible return at this stage for a newly-promoted side in the Championship.

It is why returning to the place he spent the first half of last season on loan in League One made so much sense.

Whittaker feels at home in Devon.

"It was a no-brainer really," he says. "As soon as the opportunity was there, I knew I had to take it.

"It's massive for a young player to have that trust and that playing time.

"I think that's why I wanted to come back here so much, because I knew I'd get a consistent run of games.

"It's a really good group of players and it's a good dressing room to be in off the pitch as well.

"I've been quite lucky. Apart from Derby, I've been by the sea with Swansea and Plymouth. I've got three dogs so I love taking them to the beach.

"So the lifestyle hasn't changed much from there either."

His form hasn't slowed even after the departure of manager Steven Schumacher, who abruptly left for Stoke City before the festive run started.

Whittaker admits he was sad to see him go, but knows that football moves fast and there is no time to dwell.

"There was