Blackpool boss reveals why Man City loanee Lewis Fiorini was left out against Blackburn Rovers

The midfielder made his long-awaited return from injury on Saturday, playing the first 45 minutes of the 1-0 win against Stoke City.

It was the 20-year-old’s first appearance since August, when the Manchester City loanee injured his hamstring in the game against QPR.

But still short on game time, McCarthy opted to leave him out of his squad for the trip to Ewood Park last night.

He told The Gazette: “Lewis has had 45 minutes of football for the development squad since he’s come back, so he’s not ready to play tonight after playing on Saturday.”

When asked if he will be involved against Reading on Saturday, McCarthy replied: “He will travel.”

The Seasiders are now sweating over the fitness of their top goalscorer Jerry Yates after the striker came off after just 36 minutes against Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men.

“His hamstring tightened up,” McCarthy revealed.

“I’m hoping it’s just his back which has tightened up rather than a strain.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he has, by the way, given the amount of running he’s done. He’s been ploughing a lone furrow up there.”

Should Yates be missing for Saturday’s game against Paul Ince’s side, Blackpool will at least have Gary Madine back available after the 32-year-old served his four-match ban.

“He does give us a focal point, so it will be good to have him back on Saturday,” McCarthy said.

Following a run of midweek games, McCarthy opted to freshen things up in East Lancashire by making three changes to his side.

Full-backs James Husband and Andy Lyons both dropped down to the bench, while Fiorini missed out entirely.

The returning Charlie Patino took his place, while Dom Thompson and Jordan Gabriel filled the full-back positions.

While McCarthy was critical of his side’s performance, he did reserve praise for the latter two.

“Out of all of them I thought the two full-backs that came in did really well,” McCarthy said.

“I was pleased with their performances considering they haven’t played that much, they gave everything those guys.

“They were both very committed.”