Sam Gallagher says he feels back to his best after a delayed start to the season due to injury.

The 27-year-old picked up a knock in pre-season and missed the fixtures against West Brom and Walsall.

He returned to action at Rotherham and has had a few promising cameos off the bench, scoring his first goal of the season against Hull City.

Gallagher came into the starting line-up against Harrogate in midweek and managed around an hour, getting on the scoresheet once again with a cool finish after latching onto John Buckley’s clever pass.

“(Starting at Harrogate) was definitely needed, getting a few minutes in the legs. I am feeling good,” he said.

Rovers are gearing up for their third successive away game in the space of six days, and the forward hopes they can continue to build momentum heading into the international break.

“All three are different games,” he added. “It was a great performance at Watford and then a completely different type of game (in midweek).

“I am delighted for the young lads who played, they all showed what they can do. We have got to do the business again on Saturday.

“We see the young boys train with us every day and you know they are good players, but training is different to a real match scenario.

“To see them playing against men, it is a credit to them and a bit of belief really – how far they have come and the potential they have.”

Gallagher is now preparing to return to a club he knows very well, having spent time in Plymouth's ranks as a youngster.

“It is the part of the world were I grew up and they were my youth team from Under-10s to Under-16s,” the 27-year-old recalled.

“It is a club that did a lot for me growing up. A lot of great people, and a few who are still down there. It will be nice to catch up and see a few familiar faces.

“We had a great age group and there are a few boys who are still playing. Lloyd Jones has been at a few decent Championship and League One clubs.

“There were a few boys who went on to Premier League teams after youth level but didn’t make it to the next level. Christian Walton, he was here on loan.

“We had a great age group and used to mix it with the big boys when we would play Arsenal or any of the Premier League teams.

“It was a great set-up that they had for the youth boys and hopefully they will keep producing some products as well.”

The Pilgrims clinched the League One title last season, reaching the impressive 100-point milestone under Steven Schumacher.

The Devon club have taken four points from their opening four games back in the second tier, including a 3-1 victory against Huddersfield on the opening day.

“I am really looking forward to playing at Home Park,” Gallagher continued.

“Growing up down there and always being around the football club, but never actually playing a game on the first-team pitch. It would be great to get a goal and get a win.

“I am sure I won’t recognise a lot of it, I am looking forward to seeing what they have done. The club is obviously in a much better place now than it was when I left 10-plus years ago.”

Gallagher joined Rovers from Southampton in the summer of 2019 and has also been used out wide at times.

The 6’4 attacker is very much a team player and insists he is happy to fill in wherever he is needed.

However, Gallagher admits he would relish an opportunity to play regularly down the middle in the coming weeks and months as he looks to build on last season’s eight-goal tally.

“Hopefully, I will get a few minutes through the middle and with that a few goals as well,” he stated.

“It is not something I obsess over, to be honest. I was just as happy against Hull, I came on and found myself at left-back during the game but at the time, it felt like it was what the team needed.

“To affect the game from any position is always a bonus. Obviously, you want to play in your preferred position and one that you feel suits you best. Hopefully, that will be through the middle but who knows?”

The 27-year-old recently became a dad and is thoroughly enjoying the new chapter in his life, although he isn’t complaining about the chance to get some rest on the way down to Plymouth.

“It’s tiring,” he grinned. “But yeah, it’s been brilliant. Me and my wife are obviously over the moon. It is a big life change but we are loving it.”