Neil Critchley explains why former Sunderland man Ethan Robson was dropped to the bench for Blackpool's vital win against MK Dons

The midfielder, who turns 24 today, was a surprise absentee from Blackpool’s starting XI on Saturday.

Robson had previously started every league game, but with a trip to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night followed by another away game at Burton Albion next weekend, Critchley felt it was the right time to switch it up.

“We understand there’s lots of games coming up and we wanted to freshen it up. It was nothing to do with performance,” Pool’s head coach told The Gazette.

“Grant Ward obviously came off after a couple of minutes in midweek against Charlton, so it was a chance for us to put him back in.

“I think Jordan (Williams) has been in a good vein of form as well in the last couple of games, but Ethan will come back into contention for Tuesday night.”

The Seasiders now turn their attention to their midweek trip to Loftus Road, where they will be looking to pick up their first away win of the season.

In fact, Blackpool’s winless streak on the road stretches all the way back to September 17 of last year, when Armand Gnanduillet’s stoppage-time header secured a 1-0 win against Doncaster Rovers.

“That’s the message to the players in the dressing room after the game,” Critchley added.

“It’s a nice feeling now but this league is relentless. Tuesday night at Wimbledon away from home will be a different type of game from Saturday.

“We have to recover, be prepared and pick a team we think is going to give us the best chance of winning the game.”