STUART Green will make his first start in tangerine today when Blackpool Reserves take on Accrington.
The new signing will partner Keith Southern in midfield in his bid to impress new boss Simon Grayson.
Green, 26, who signed from Crystal Palace on deadline day, probably won't have long to wait for his first-team debut because Grayson is a big fan.
Today's top sportOyston breaks silence over standSwift's legacy is in safe keeping at PoolLegends - Phil ClarksonThe manager, who has been tracking the goalscoring midfielder for two years, told The Gazette today: "I think he is a very good asset and I am delighted to have him in the squad.
"He can play anywhere across the middle four and he has goals in him. He has good technique and a desire to do well.
"He works hard and will make sure there is even more competition in the midfield.
"We haven't had anyone to put Gary Taylor-Fletcher under any pressure out wide since Adrian Forbes left. I know Stuart can play wide right, so it will keep Fletch on his toes."
Having also signed Paul Dickov, Paul Gerrard and Stephen McPhee during last month's transfer window, Grayson added: "You've got to keep improving the squad. If you stand still you will go backwards.
"You have to keep putting pressure on players by bringing in better players.
"We've now got players challenging for 11 places, which means quite a few are left out of the squad at any time."
Southern will be hoping to come through another 90 minutes today unscathed and put his name firmly in the frame for a place in the 16 at Hull on Saturday.
Grayson added: "Keith is a terrific lad who is making good progress. He did well for the reserves last week and I am sure he will again today.
"He is desperate to get back in but you can't rush these things."
"You have to keep putting pressure on players by bringing in better players.
"We've now got players challenging for 11 places, which means quite a few are left out of the squad at any time."
Southern will be hoping to come through another 90 minutes today unscathed and put his name firmly in the frame for a place in the 16 at Hull on Saturday.
Grayson added: "Keith is a terrific lad who is making good progress. He did well for the reserves last week and I am sure he will again today. "He is desperate to get back in but you can't rush these things."
