Neil Critchley on the chances of handing further game time to Blackpool's Brad Holmes after youngster makes professional debut

The 18-year-old came off the bench during Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat as the Seasiders desperately searched for a way back into the game.

Holmes, who is from Blackpool and played for Poulton Youth as a youngster, had been an unused substitute prior to Tuesday night on a number of occasions.

The striker, who has been in prolific form for the youth-team this season having signed a professional contract during the summer, finally got his chance at Spotland.

“You could tell he was excited coming on the pitch,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“Brad can score goals, he can get a goal for you and we were hoping we could create that one opportunity for him in the last few minutes because he can finish.

“It’s a great moment for him, a really proud moment for him and his family. Coming from Blackpool, to get your Football League debut is something you’ll always remember.

“It’s a big feather in the cap for the academy as well, so I’m made up for Brad.

“The circumstances we’re in at the moment (with injuries), when we’re looking at options from the bench and when we need to change things, Brad comes into the reckoning.

“Why wouldn’t we put him on? Why not?”

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