'It's something he'll always remember': Neil Critchley on Everton loanee Ellis Simms making his professional debut for Blackpool against Brighton

That’s according to Blackpool boss Neil Critchley, who brought the striker off the bench during Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 20-year-old, who saw almost half an hour of action, got little change out of Brighton’s three centre backs Lewis Dunk, Dan Burn and Adam Webster as the Seasiders began to tire against their Premier League opponents.

Nevertheless, Simms tasting his first glimpse of competitive action at men’s level is a moment he ought to cherish according to Critchley.

“It was a fantastic moment for him,” Pool’s head coach said.

“I was stood next to him when he was waiting to come on and I asked if he was excited, he said ‘yes’. I asked if he was nervous and he said ‘no’, so I said ‘good, now go and show what you’re about’.

“I thought he did that against some really experienced centre-halves. He used his body well, he put himself about.

“Your debut in senior football is always something you’ll remember, so I’m delighted for Ellis and that’s a good moment for him and for Everton.”

With Blackpool’s squad depleted by positive Covid-19 tests and injuries, Critchley also named three youngsters on their nine-man bench.

Youth-team stars Luke Mariette, Rob Apter and Brad Holmes were all unused substitutes, while teammate Ewan Bange also travelled.

While the trio didn’t see any action, Critchley believes it will serve as an invaluable experience for the youngsters.

“They’ve been doing very well for the youth-team this season, so that’s credit to Danny (Ventre), to Murphs (John Murphy) and to Ciaran (Donnelly),” Critchley told The Gazette..

“Some of them have been around the training for a few weeks now and it’s something as a club we want to try and promote.

“It’s something I’m certainly keen to do as well, so this will have been a good experience for them and hopefully it can be a springboard for more in the future.”

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