PLYMOUTH Argyle loanee Nathanael Ogbeta says head coach Conor Hourihane has given him ‘freedom’ to express himself this season.

The 24-year-old left-back signed from Argyle earlier this summer and has been a mainstay in that position during pre-season.

He registered an assist in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Harrogate Town at the Exercise Stadium, crossing for Jack Shepherd who headed home.

Ogbeta has been one of a number of players on set piece duty so far during pre-season.

He said: “Hopefully I can influence the game in as many ways as possible.

“If set-pieces are going to be the way then I’m happy to do that.

“It’s good to get off the mark with an assist.

“The key for us is being relentless with it.

“We’re here to build.”

Ogbeta has had three previous spells in League One – with Shrewsbury Town and then on loan with Peterborough and Bolton.

During pre-season he’s become well-known for his runs going forward, as well as dropping into midfield as and when is needed.

And he says that Hourihane has been keen to ensure he doesn’t rest on his laurels.

“He’s given me a lot of freedom to express myself and to get in good areas high up in the pitch and midfield areas as well,” Ogbeta added.

“I think that really suits me.

“The best thing about the gaffer is that he’s always on me. He’s always telling me to get in behind and to make sure that I’m not resting on my laurels and getting complacent.”

Hourihane is entering his first full season as head coach of the Reds, and his first as a manager full stop.

The 34-year-old is younger than summer signing David McGoldrick – and Ogbeta says he’s been impressed so far.

He added: “From minute one I can see that he’s more than ready to be a fantastic manager.

“He’s so organised and so driven.

“He’s setting a really good environment for the boys to flourish.

“He wants us to improve both on the pitch and off the pitch as men.”