Caretaker boss David Dunn provides fitness update on Blackpool strikers Armand Gnanduillet and Gary Madine

That’s according to caretaker boss David Dunn, who withdrew the pair during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers.

Madine, who had notched Pool’s second minute opener, was replaced at the break as Dunn made a double change following Ben Heneghan’s red card on the stroke of half-time.

“After the sending off, we had to change it with a couple of changes at half time.” Dunn admits.

"Gary Madine was struggling with his knee a touch and we obviously knew with the wind behind them we’d have balls flying in our box.

“With Connor Ronan’s height, we had to sacrifice him as well.”

Gnanduillet, meanwhile, was brought off shortly after Bristol Rovers equalised through Alfie Kilgour’s thunderbolt on 73 minutes.

The home side went on to win the game six minutes from time, when Preston North End loanee Josh Ginnelly inadvertently diverted a long-range shot into the back of the net.

On Gnanduillet being replaced, Dunn said: “I think he’s going to be okay, but it was just a bit of a precaution to bring him off.

“He was feeling his hamstring. Whether it was cramp or something, I’m not too sure.”

Dunn was speaking after taking charge of his first game as caretaker boss following the sacking of Simon Grayson.

The former Blackburn Rovers man opted to switch things up, making three changes to his side and reverting to three at the back with wing backs.

There were some promising signs, too, the Seasiders looking well in control of proceedings prior to Heneghan’s sending off.

Even with a man down, Blackpool had two or three good chances to extend their lead before suffering their late sucker punch, which condemned them to an eighth defeat from their last 10 games.

“I thought the lads that came in did well as I made three changes, I thought they were excellent and it worked well,” Dunn said.

“It was just unfortunate the decision to send Ben off changed the game.

“That’s the disappointing thing, because I thought the game plan was working pretty well.

“We played some terrific stuff in the first half when we managed to get into half-time 1-0 up.

“But the players were excellent in how hard they worked, I don’t think you can ask for much more.

“The supporters must go away feeling the players gave their all for the cause.”

On the decision to revert to a back three, which had proved effective in the early stages of the season, Dunn explained: “I like playing that formation, it’s something I know.

“I felt even if Simon had still been the manager we’d have gone with it as well.”