Derby County academy product Morgan Whittaker has denied claims from Plymouth Argyle manager Miron Muslic that he failed to show up for the Pilgrims' Championship meeting with Burnley last week, having since completed a move away from the club.

Whittaker has joined Middlesbrough for up to £6m, aiming to aid Boro's promotion push. The Derby-born 24-year-old scored 20 goals in 50 appearances for Argyle last season as he helped them secure survival in the Championship and, as a result, drew admiring glances from elsewhere in the division. Boro were one of a number of teams interested in Whittaker and won the race this week.

The attacker, who made 32 appearances for the Rams before being sold to Swansea City in the winter transfer window of 2021, made a name for himself at Home Park after helping them to promotion and then signing permanently. New Plymouth boss Muslic, though, indicated that Whittaker was available for selection ahead of the 5-0 defeat to the Clarets but didn't show up.

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Whittaker has now responded to those claims himself.

"I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to the Plymouth fans, my time here has been life changing and I would really like to clear the air," Whittaker posted on social media. "I just wanted to wait for the dust to settle, before I clarified a few things. I want to make it abundantly clear I never refused to play against Burnley.

"It was agreed by myself and the manager that due to the bids on the table from both Burnley and Middlesbrough, I would be not available for selection. I was then told to train with the other non-selected players as I wouldn't need to be involved in the shape for Burnley as I wouldn't be playing in the game. All of the coaching staff and my teammates were also aware that I was not included in the squad.

"The backlash I have received due to the manager's post-match interview has been devastating to me. To have my mindset, my character and my commitment to the game insulted is very upsetting to me. I have always made myself available for selection, I have always trained and I have ALWAYS given my all for Plymouth. I even trained happily the next day.

"I will not let that tarnish my time here. I want to thank all of you, the staff, the players, the fans for your incredible support during my time here. Some of the most magical and integral parts of my career have happened here with Plymouth for which I will be forever grateful for. Thank you to the fans who sent me home with letters, gifts, drawings, they will be treasured forever.

"From helping you achieve promotion, coming back home permanently, being in the team of the season and to score the winning goal to knock Brentford out of the FA Cup. These memories will last a lifetime for me and it wouldn't have been possible without all of your support.

"I'm sorry again it ended this way, but I never once refused to play. My heart will always have a huge space for Plymouth Argyle, how could it not? I wish you all nothing but the best for the future, and I will always be keeping an eye on your results and supporting from afar. A Janner forever. Morgan."