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Parker comes in from the cold
FORGOTTEN man Keigan Parker unexpectedly stepped in from the cold to get his first taste of action this year – and he is likely to get another opportunity again soon.
The Scot had not been involved in a Blackpool match since December 11 and the 1-0 defeat against Cardiff.
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But he was named on the subs' bench last night at QPR and came on in the 71st minute, moments before Pool scored to make it 3-2.
Boss Simon Grayson said his decision to select Parker in the 16 proved that the striker had always stayed in his plans.
Reactions
And he said that Parker will probably get more chances before the season is out.
"I don't know if Keigan was surprised to be involved – I just named the subs and got on with it," said Grayson.
"I'm not looking for reactions from players when I name the team – I'm looking for reactions from them when they get on the pitch.
"I want to see how they contribute to the game and he was part of a group of players that got us back into the game.
"He did OK.
"It is difficult coming on as sub.
"He probably has a point to prove and wants to remain in the 16 from now until the end of the season.
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"But he isn't the only one who got us back into the game. You can't dismiss what Ben Burgess did when he came on and David Fox passed the ball around.
"The players have to take their chance when they got an opportunity."
Asked why he had decided to select Parker after exactly three months in the wilderness, the manager replied: "I always want four strikers in the 16. Paul Dickov wasn't involved, so Keigan was.
"I've said all along that Keigan will get an opportunity while he is still contracted to us.
"I went with three strikers against Norwich and Barnsley because Keigan was injured. He has to keep himself fit and ready to go and that's what he has done. I am sure he will get more opportunities this season."
Parker started the season as first-choice but after 17 starts without a goal he was dropped and almost left the club in January only for a deal with Barnsley to collapse.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
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Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 16 C
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