Blackpool boss enjoys watching Brighton and Hove Albion's style of football

The Seasiders head to the south coast tomorrow looking to cause another cup upset, having beaten fellow top flight side West Bromwich Albion in the last round.

The Seagulls are well known for their attractive style of play but they currently hover just two positions above the drop zone.

“They’re capable of some terrific football and results, but the Premier League is such an unforgiving league. It’s relentless with the standard of that division,” Critchley said.

“It’s only after we played West Brom, when we were talking about what a good team they were and what good players they had, and yet they’re struggling in the Premier League at this moment in time.

“Brighton are finding it difficult but sometimes you have to be realistic as well and look at the size of the clubs in that division. If Brighton are competing and in the division then I think they’re doing really well.

“You only have to watch them play to see they’re a fantastic football team with a clear identity and they’re very intelligent in how they play. They will cause you problems.

“I think what they do is very brave because Graham Potter wants his team to dominate with the ball and that’s not easy to do when you’re playing against top players that you know can hurt you.

“I think he shows a lot of courage with the style he tries to implement.”

Having already seen off the Baggies, Critchley believes taking the scalp of another top flight side could do wonders for his side’s confidence.

“It would be massive,” he said. “On the journey we’re on and where we’re at right now, it would give us a lot more belief than what we’ve got at this moment.

“We’re aspiring to be where they are at some point, although I know we’re quite far apart at the moment, but the more often you compete against the best like we did against West Brom – it wasn’t a lucky win, we weren’t hanging on – it gives the group a stronger belief and a shot of confidence for the league programme.”

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