Neil Critchley mulling over team selection for Blackpool's Fylde coast clash against Fleetwood as Armand Gnanduillet nears return

The Seasiders have named the same line-up for their last three games, a run which has seen them claim seven points from an available nine.

But with Armand Gnanduillet potentially back from injury and Ben Heneghan available again after serving his three-game suspension, Critchley admits he’s got decisions to make.

“I’ve got to come in and assess the squad and that takes time,” the 41-year-old admitted.

“There may be one or two alterations in terms of personnel or formation, but I have to stamp my mark on the squad as well.

“I have to say the work that was done prior to me coming in with David Dunn, Tommy Johnson and Steve Banks was top drawer.

“They’ve done an excellent job and they’ve been brilliant for me this week. They’ve given me lots of advice and support and I’ll be leaning on their thoughts ready for the team on Saturday. It will be done in consultation with Dunny and Tommy.

“I’d be mad not to draw on their experience when they’ve been in and around the team for a lot longer than I have.

“They’ve taken the last four games and done incredibly well, so I’d be stupid not to ask for their advice.

“It will be a collective effort, that’s the way I work. I like to have staff who are comfortable and are close to me and want to express their opinions.

“But also I make that final decision and we will respect each other and make those decisions about what we think is the right team come Saturday.”

Sullay Kaikai (groin/abductor) and Jak Alnwick (arm) are Pool’s only certain absentees, with Gnanduillet returning to light training having missed the last three games with a hamstring injury.

“Armand took part in a little bit of training today,” Critchley revealed.

“We will have to wait and see if he’s going to be able to train fully on Friday and be ready for the game.

“He took part in training but it was only a little bit because he’s obviously been out for a few weeks through injury.

“I know he’s been a big asset for the team in the past couple of seasons and scored a lot of goals.

“I’m hoping that between now and the end of the season we can get him back playing and back fit and I’m sure he’ll be a really important member of our squad and a really important player for me.

“At the moment we’ve got a decent squad to pick from and nearly a clean bill of health, so my decision-making is going to be tested on Saturday.”