Blackpool boss admits Luke Garbutt will be desperate to return from injury to feature in FA Cup tie against hometown club Harrogate Town

The left-back is nearing a return to action having been sidelined with a hamstring complaint since the 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra last month.

The defender has subsequently missed nine games during that time, so will be champing at the bit to return - especially given the local connection in Saturday’s second round tie.

“He started training last week,” Critchley confirmed this morning.

“We’ve got a couple of training sessions to go between now and Saturday, so we’ll have a discussion with him, we’ll speak to the sports scientist and we’ll make a decision on whether or not he’s been reintroduced back into training long enough.

“I’d have to say it’s definitely close anyway.

“He’s from Harrogate, so he’ll probably just roll out of bed and turn up. He’s desperate to play. But I shall tell him he has to travel here first and get on the bus first - if he’s selected, obviously!

“He spent his time in Leeds’ academy growing up, but he’s from Harrogate. He’s up for possible selection.”

The Seasiders have no other fresh injury concerns to be worried about, with Matty Virtue and MJ Williams the only other two players currently sidelined.

“We’ve had no injuries from Tuesday night, we didn’t pick up any knocks,” Critchley said.

“We’ve had a few people return from injury recently. Luke Garbutt and Matty Virtue have been reintroduced back into training although Luke is slightly in front at this moment in time.

“Other than MJ Williams and Matty at the moment, we’ve got a few bodies back and some strength in depth in the squad.”

On the difficulty of easing players back into action during a hectic schedule, Critchley added: “It’s not like pre-season where you can give players 45 minutes in one game and 60 minutes in the next one. When you’re in, you’re in and you’re expected to perform.

“Physically you need to be ready, which is why training is so important. But we need to make the decision right when we decide to integrate boys back into games.”