Blackpool boss refuses to be drawn on future of Jamie Devitt amid rumoured Carlisle United and Bolton Wanderers interest

The 30-year-old was left out of Blackpool’s squad for the second week running during yesterday’s 2-1 pre-season friendly win at Port Vale.

It comes after he was also unused during Blackpool’s opening friendly of pre-season at Haig Avenue last week, as Blackpool ran out 4-0 winners against Southport.

The former Carlisle United man has been linked with a move back to Brunton Park, while Ian Evatt’s Bolton Wanderers have also been mentioned alongside his name.

However, Critchley insists an injury was the reason behind Devitt’s absence at Vale Park, rather than a potential move away.

“He felt his calf in training on Friday, so that was just a precaution. He had been training all week though so he probably would have been involved,” Pool’s head coach told The Gazette.

“I don’t know (about rumours linking him with a move away). All I can say is that he’s still training with us at the moment.

“He was obviously out on loan last season. He knows the situation, he knows my feelings because we’ve had conversations about it.

“But in the meantime he’s still with us, he trains and if he had been fit then he would have been involved at Port Vale.”

Devitt, meanwhile, offered a different version, claiming on Twitter that he was “fully fit” and “raring to go”.

When asked if Carlisle fans ought to be worried about his recent injury record, Devitt replied: “Fully fit and raring to go and have been since January. Only thing I’m lacking is some match fitness which most players are because of Covid.”

Devitt has yet to make a single appearance for the Seasiders after making the move to Bloomfield Road from Carlisle last summer.

Originally signed under the interim board when Terry McPhillips was manager, Devitt found himself out of the first-team picture when Simon Grayson took charge under Simon Sadler’s new ownership.

The attacking midfielder was sent out on loan to Bradford City, yet he made just six appearances at Valley Parade in what was an injury-hit campaign.

Carlisle boss Chris Beech was recently asked about the chances of re-signing the Irishman, yet opted to remain tight-lipped.

He told the News & Star: “Jamie’s been brilliant in the past, but I shouldn’t really comment too much on somebody else’s player.

“What I do know is he didn’t play a lot last season, he’s had an operation to have his hamstring tied back together. That’s where Jamie is.

“He did brilliantly [here before], I remember seeing all those goals he scored for Carlisle, hence why he got financially rewarded at Blackpool and took a very good contract there.

“We’ll see. I don’t know.”