'He understands the situation': Neil Critchley praises Jamie Devitt's professionalism amid ongoing frustration over his Blackpool future

The 30-year-old still remains on Blackpool’s books despite not being given a squad number for the 2020/21 campaign.

It’s understood the Seasiders are keen to move on the former Carlisle United man, but as yet no move has materialised.

With the transfer window closing in just eight days, it raises the prospect of Devitt sitting out the remainder of his contract despite not getting any first-team action.

Critchley is hopeful that isn’t the case, suggesting Devitt needs to head out and get gametime having suffered a frustrating period with injuries.

“Dev has been involved with us since minute one of pre-season, he’s had some games for us and has featured in behind-closed-doors games in the last few weeks,” Pool’s head coach told The Gazette.

“He’s been brilliant to work with. He’s a really good professional, he understands the situation and he wants to go and play games, he wants to go and play football and he wants to get his career going again.

“He’s had a bad time with injury in the past 12 to 18 months, so he’s doing his best to sort that situation out for himself. I for one hope he can because he’s desperate to go and play football again and we’re hopeful that can happen in the next week or so for him.”

Blackpool have until October 16 to complete any further deals, having already been incredibly busy this summer.

Dan Ballard and Daniel Gretarsson became Blackpool’s 14th and 15th arrivals respectively since the end of last season, while a further 19 players have been moved on.

When asked if fans can expect a busy last week of the window, Critchley said: “It depends on what you class as busy, I think we’ve been busy so far!

“Obviously we’re only allowed 22 players over the age of 21 and we’re pretty much around that figure now.

“There will have to be room in and out if we’re going to keep to that figure, so I’m not ruling it out both ways.

“Busy, maybe, maybe not, but it depends on what your definition is.”