Update issued on Crystal Palace defender ahead of Blackpool's FA Cup meeting with Carlisle United

Danny Imray remains on course to return to action for Blackpool this weekend - and could be joined by a couple of others.

The defender has been out of action since the end of September due to a knee injury, after initially enjoying a bright start to life at Bloomfield Road following his summer loan move from Crystal Palace.

Sunday evening’s FA Cup second round tie against Carlisle United was earmarked last month as a potential return date for the 22-year-old, and as it stands there’s been no change to that plan.

Albie Morgan, Josh Bowler, Dale Taylor and Niall Ennis have also been among the Seasiders’ long list of absentees in recent times, but are all expected back this month - with two of them having the potential of making the meeting with the Cumbrians as well.

Providing an update, Blackpool boss Ian Evatt said: “Every team needs their best players available, and when they’re not available it hurts. The players we have had available have given us everything - they’ve had a tough period with a lot of information and a lot of change, so I’m impressed with how they’ve coped with things.

“It’s a tough industry, there’s extreme highs and extreme lows. What I want to define us is how we manage the lows. We’re in one those low periods so we’ve got to keep the faith in what we’re doing and trust the work we are doing will pay dividends in the long term

“Josh (Bowler) and Albie (Morgan) are back training - which is great. Danny Imray is back training. Dale (Taylor) is a couple of days behind them so will be back imminently. Niall (Ennis) is a couple of weeks down the line. Things are looking a lot brighter.

“We’ll monitor them on a daily basis (for Sunday). They trained incredibly well yesterday, and it seemed to lift everyone.”

Excited to welcome Imray back

Evatt admits he’s looking forward to seeing Imray play for the first time under his tenure, but won’t put too much pressure on him.

“He’s on course (feature), and the others are ahead of schedule,” he added.

“I won’t be nailed down with systems and formations because it’s fluid - we can look like a back four or a back three with what we’re trying to do with our pressing strategy or our build-up phase.

“Danny has played for Crystal Palace and Bromley who have predominantly played with wing-back systems, so he’s used to that and understands what the role entails. I’ve got no doubts that he’ll be really good there.

“He’s got an athletic profile - which I like. He’s very quick, very strong, very powerful, and when you’ve got those attributes, you’re able to change the rhythm of the game - that’s what we need to do, in particular in the wide areas.

“I’m looking forward to having him back, but we can’t pile the pressure on him. He’s a young lad who has been out for a good few weeks so he will need time to grow into his performances and get him back to full fitness. From what I’ve seen so far he’s an exciting young player.”

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