Blackpool boss Neil Critchley ready for toughest of selection decisions

The head coach said: “Yes, it’s one of the toughest we’ve had all season to pick the right team and formation. It’s tough but that’s the job and I have to make the tough decisions.”

After a 10-day break, the Seasiders must squeeze in 12 games before the year ends and Critchley added: “We talked to the players about the period coming up.

“We know players will be needed and the squad will be utilised. Players may find themselves out of the team on Saturday then starting on Tuesday, so they have to be professional and ready for a busy period.”

Having more players available can only help and he added: “We are getting closer to a clean bill of health. We’ve got some bodies back, which makes for more competition. Ethan Robson and Dan Ballard are no longer suspended and Ben Woodburn is back from self-isolation.

“Keshi Anderson came in against Leeds Under-21s, and Oliver Sarkic and Luke Garbutt have joined in training this week.

“Jordan Williams and Matty Virtue are getting closer. We hope Jordan will be out of his sling next week and be able to start grasswork.

“Matty is on the grass, running and stepping up. He will need a period of training before being considered but he is getting closer.”

The rare luxury of a full week on the training pitch has been most welcome for Critchley, who added: “It’s a chance to have a breather mentally and physically. You condense the season into chunks and blocks, and we were prepared for this 10-day period to freshen up. It’s a full week of training, which we won’t get again until January at the earliest.

“We’ve had a chance to work on things, reflect on the games we’ve played and prepare for what’s coming up.

“I have enjoyed it because I love spending time on the grass coaching. That’s my passion.

“The week has been fantastic and really enjoyable, though the players will probably be sick of my voice by the end of it.”

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