Blackpool boss so sorry to disappoint young players at Shrewsbury

A number of fringe players were given their first taste of action and didn’t disappoint, giving McPhillips a real selection headache for the clash at New Meadow.

Donervon Daniels, Michael Nottingham, Jordan Thompson, Mark Cullen and Armand Gnanduillet will all be pushing for a start but McPhillips admitted some will be disappointed.

He said: “The lads were delighted to get that first win, especially as we came back from a goal down.

“It was a hell of a second -half performance. The boys have come back full of beans and put in a really good session.

“It has given me a massive headache. The staff are all writing down different formations and different teams.

“There are going to be some disappointed lads who think, ‘I deserve to play’. They would probably be right.

“So it’s a good headache and a competitive squad. We just need to add one or two more.”

Despite the win, McPhillips believes there is some naivete among his younger players, which the likes of Jay Spearing, Chris Taylor and Mark Howard can help address.

“I thought they were top-class the other night with their experience,” he said.

“We were winning 3-1 and a couple of the lads were running to take a throw-in quickly.

“I was thinking, ‘Whoa’. The experienced lads calmed them down a little bit but they’re so enthusiastic.

“They want to do well and score the next one, whereas we just want to get the game won. We had a bit of a laugh about it but it’s about learning. You only get that with games.”

Despite his role being temporary, McPhillips remains in the hunt for new players as free agents and loanees can still be signed.

Asked what positions needed strengthening, he said: “I think we’re okay at the back now, so maybe a central midfield player, a centre forward and a winger. That would help.”

Nick Anderton has been loaned to Pool’s League One rivals Accrington Stanley until January.

The defender, 22, made his first appearance of the season in Tuesday’s League Cup win.