Simon Grayson explains why recent Reading recruit Teddy Howe was left out of his Blackpool squad

The right-back, a deadline day signing from Championship side Reading, has yet to make his debut for the Seasiders.

He was an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Oxford United last week but was left out altogether for yesterday's win against the Shrimpers.

Explaining Howe's absence, Grayson told The Gazette: “I can only name 18 players.

"Who else was missing from the squad? There's Sean Scannell, Ben Garrity - who really impressed me in the reserve game the other day - James Husband and Ryan Edwards are pretty much back to full fitness.

“We’ve got these options available to us and the players in the team have got to be aware the lads we’ve brought into the group are there to push them.”

Howe was brought to Bloomfield Road on a permanent deal during last month's transfer window after impressing Grayson for Reading during the two recent FA Cup ties.