Neil Critchley explains the surprise absence of key duo for Blackpool's goalless draw against Accrington Stanley

The duo were surprisingly left out of Pool’s 18-man squad at the Wham Stadium on Saturday as the league’s form sides played out a goalless draw.

Kaikai was replaced in the team by Gary Madine as Critchley opted to revert to two up front, while the returning Dan Ballard took Gretarsson’s place in the centre of defence alongside Marvin Ekpiteta.

“They were both rested,” Critchley confirmed to The Gazette.

“Sullay has probably been a bit quiet in the last game or two. He’s an explosive player and he’s been a big player for us this season, so we decided just to give him a little rest to freshen him up.

“He’ll be a big player for us between now and the end of the season and we want to manage him so he can provide his best for us.

“It was just a little change, there was no injury.”

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