Former Everton and Ipswich Town man Luke Garbutt makes first Blackpool appearance in behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End

Luke Garbutt made his first Blackpool appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End on Tuesday.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Read More
Matty Virtue ruled out of Blackpool's clash against Lincoln City while Sullay Ka...

The former Everton and Ipswich Town man arrived on a free transfer last week but wasn’t involved in the weekend defeat to Gillingham.

The 27-year-old hasn’t played a competitive match since March and, with no pre-season behind him, head coach Neil Critchley will look to ease him in to first-team action.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We had an in-house game against Preston on Tuesday and he played 60 minutes in that game and came through with no issues,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“That’s his first football in six months or so, he’s had no pre-season. We’ve just got to keep building him up and look to bring him into the squad at the right time.

“I couldn’t say whether that will be Saturday or not yet, I’m not sure.

“As for the game (which Preston won 3-2), it was a useful exercise to get some minutes into some players, which I think is really important given the number of games we’ve got coming up in October with the three or four midweeks.

Garbutt training earlier this week. Picture courtesy of Blackpool FCGarbutt training earlier this week. Picture courtesy of Blackpool FC
Garbutt training earlier this week. Picture courtesy of Blackpool FC
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All of the players are going to be needed, so it helps if they’re in a rhythm of playing games and are match fit.

“That’s what we’ve done in the past few weeks to give those players games because they’re going to be asked to come into a game in the future, so it helps that they’re match ready and ready to go.

“As a result, they will be feeling more confident about themselves and can make a contribution to the team.”