Ian Evatt assesses Blackpool midfield options in absence of 'one of the best' ahead of Lincoln City test
Joel Randall has returned training this week as a boost to Blackpool’s midfield options.
Ian Evatt admits he’s pleased with Blackpool’s current midfield options - but is still disappointed to have ‘one of the best in the league’ Albie Morgan absent for the remainder of the season.
The Seasiders’ options in the centre of the park has been boosted in the last few weeks, with depth available in that area heading into Saturday’s meeting with Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium.
On Deadline Day, both Karoy Anderson and Leighton Clarkson arrived on the Fylde Coast, and have started every game since alongside Jordan Brown.
Meanwhile, George Honeyman became available again last weekend, with the Millwall man scoring off the bench in the 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers following a month out due to injury.
Joel Randall is also set to return to contention for the Imps clash, after missing the past month with a hamstring problem.
Ryan Finnigan is still sidelined, but is due back next month, leaving Morgan as the only midfielder unavailable for the remainder of the campaign after undergoing surgery on an ankle issue.
Evatt assesses Blackpool’s midfield options
Evatt has been left pleased with his improved options, with Josh Bowler also among those currently competing for a spot in the centre of the park.
“The midfield area is stocked now,” he said.
“Obviously Albie being out is huge because I think he’s one of the best in the league - genuinely. I haven’t had him really for very long, so we’re missing him.
“With the options we’ve got, we’ve got some really good second ball monsters, really good pressers, real technical ability, and some good pressers.
“We’ve got lads like Josh (Bowler) and Joel Randall who can unlock doors against teams who have a bit of a block.
“It’s now about choosing the right option for the right opponent, and it’s a challenging game on Saturday to do that.”
After suffering with shortages due to injury all over the pitch at various points this season, Evatt was able to make substitutes to impact last weekend’s draw at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
“The plan all along was to contain for 60 minutes, and then open the game up late on with some fresh legs,” he explained.
“We knew the players who could come off the bench couldn’t necessarily start. George Honeyman wasn’t ready to start, but could give us half an hour and real intensity. He was the catalyst of providing that energy for the rest of the lads to feed off.”
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