Michael Appleton knows the importance of Blackpool's upcoming games against Coventry City, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic

Pool have performed well in recent weeks against sides such as Norwich City, Watford, Sunderland and Sheffield United clubs all expected to feature in the top half of the table come the end of the season.

But after taking on that quarter of clubs, Appleton’s men then slumped to a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Hull City, a side just one point above them.

With four of Blackpool’s next five games before the World Cup break coming against sides below them in the standings, Appleton knows how important it is for his players to maintain their high level of performance levels, irrespective of who they’re facing.

“When you look at some of the results we’ve had recently, it shows we’re more than capable of competing with the big teams and the so-called best teams in the league,” he told The Gazette.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re capable of doing that with sides in and around us and taking points off them.

“If we do that, those teams can’t gain anything on us so they’re big games and important games, but they all are to be fair.

“I’ve never gone into a game this season genuinely thinking it’s going to be easier or tougher than the last one, because I know you can often pick yourself up for huge games. For some reason, it becomes more difficult when you’re almost expected to win or expected to get something from the game.”

As it currently stands, Blackpool sit 18th, two points above tomorrow’s opponents Coventry City in 22nd.

West Brom, who the Seasiders face on Tuesday night, also find themselves in the bottom three.

Appleton added: “Our focus is certainly on us and what we do and not necessarily what is going on elsewhere.

“Before going into the Preston game, we were very slightly down on what our target would be after 15 games, but obviously the win last week has given us an opportunity to get back on track and stay on track.

“If we can continue to do that going into the World Cup break, we will be in a good position.”