Demetri Mitchell loves wing king role for Blackpool

With CJ Hamilton out injured for the rest of the season, Mitchell has been deployed on the right flank in recent weeks, starting three of the last four games.

He was Blackpool’s man of the match on Saturday, playing a key role in both goals during the 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle.

The winger cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful shot which was blocked into the path of Sullay Kaikai, whose goal cancelled out former Seasider Ryan Hardie’s opener for the Pilgrims.

Mitchell then won Neil Critchley’s side a penalty when he was hauled down, having latched on to Jordan Gabriel’s clipped ball over the top.

Jerry Yates converted the spot-kick for his 17th goal of the campaign but the Seasiders had to settle for a fifth draw in six home games thanks to Joe Edwards’ stoppage-time strike.

Former Manchester United player Mitchell was brought to Bloomfield Road as a left-back but insists he has no qualms playing further up the pitch.

The 24-year-old said: “I played further forward in my younger days – left or right, I don’t mind it.

“I just feel as though I’m coming along in that position and getting better, which will come with more and more games.

“It’s been Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday for a long time now, so it will be good to get a few days off and rest before the game at Swindon on Friday.”

Blackpool were very much second-best during the opening half on Saturday, having been outsmarted by a Plymouth side who had a game plan and stuck to it.

Critchley admitted his side were fortunate to be only a goal down at the interval but they rallied in the second period and scored two quickfire goals.

While they were unable to hold on for their third win on the spin, the Seasiders remain in the League One play-offs and unbeaten in 11 outings.

Mitchell admitted: “We didn’t start the brightest on Saturday – it took us a while to get going.

“We could have been better in the first half but in the second we came out a goal down and got back into the game.

“They obviously watched us on Tuesday night (in the 3-1 win over Peterborough United) and saw the way we were playing, so we changed a few things at half-time.

“We came out a bit livelier, a bit sharper and looked to get in behind a bit more, and it worked.

“It feels a bit like two points dropped but the unbeaten run continues. It’s a bit frustrating to concede so late on but it happens.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here.