Blackpool boss: Let the battle begin

Slocombe is currently out on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury during the 1-1 draw at Crewe.

His replacement that day, Dean Lyness, produced an impressive display in Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Portsmouth.

“I thought Dean did excellent for us,” Bowyer said.

“I was delighted when we were able to bring him back to the club. He knows all about Blackpool and I knew we weren’t just signing a number two keeper, we were signing someone who would challenge Sam.

“He’s got the shirt at the moment and the performance was good from him.”

Slocombe’s injury will also keep him out of today’s game at Crawley Town.

Lyness, who joined on a free in the summer from Burton Albion following a successful loan spell, wasn’t the only player who Bowyer was pleased with.

He also lavished praise on Will Aimson, after he came on at half-time on Tuesday for Clark Robertson, who was injured in what appeared an innocuous challenge in the lead up to Pool’s opener.

“Clark still doesn’t feel great so it will be a day-by-day thing with him and we will see how it goes,” Bowyer said.

“I think a few went up for the ball and he got caught with a challenge. But hopefully he will recover quickly.

“I thought Will (Aimson) came on and did well in his position and we’ve got competition and cover there.”

Mark Yeates will have been disappointed to have found himself on the bench on Tuesday night after an impressive display at Crewe.

He was replaced by Brad Potts, who shone in midfield on his return to the side.

Bowyer said: “Competition is high and the way Brad Potts has started this season, he’s been in terrific form. As a result of him missing Crewe I gave Yeates an opportunity, but we were fortunate Potts was back fit again and we went with the team we felt played ever so well against Carlisle.

“It’s not just Mark Yeates either. There’s Bright Osayi-Samuel who can’t get in the team and Mark Cullen who can also count himself unlucky. They are all unlucky but it’s never down to just one individual.”