'Don't get it' - Blackpool boss criticises EFL rule ahead of crucial Burton Albion clash
Blackpool take on Burton Albion at Bloomfield Road this weekend.
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt believes the current EFL rules surrounding international call-ups are unfair.
While there are full scheduled breaks in the Premier League and the Championship, clubs in League One and League Two need a minimum of three players selected by their nations to request a fixture postponement.
For their crucial meeting with Burton Albion at the bottom end of the third tier, the Seasiders have fallen short of this threshold, but will still be without two members of their recent starting XI away to Cardiff City.
Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has linked up with the Northern Ireland squad, while Charlton Athletic loanee Karoy Anderson has been selected by Jamaica, with both playing important parts in the 0-0 stalemate in South Wales on Saturday afternoon.
Blackpool currently sit 21st in the League One table, and will need every point possible to secure their survival with seven games remaining.
After beating Port Vale and drawing with Cardiff in their last two outings, they will be keen to build some momentum as they prepare to face several teams who are currently just above the line.
Blackpool boss shares thoughts on international call-ups
Evatt admits it’s frustrating knowing he will be without two key individuals for the visit of the Brewers on Saturday afternoon.
“At this key stage of the season, with the season on the line, how can we have two key players leave and you still have to play the game? - I just don’t get it, I just don’t understand it,” he said.
“It has to be the way (that there’s a full break) because they’re key players for us. To lose two key players in a crucial weekend for a crucial fixture is hard.
“I don’t think it’s right or fair. It’s another opportunity for others to step up, and we need them to.
“We are where we are, and it’s not going to change for us now this week, so we’ll get on with it and the lads who get the opportunity will need to step up.”
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