Versatile players like Nathan Shaw so important for Blackpool boss Neil Critchley

The head coach feels the introduction of the salary cap will restrict squad numbers, making adaptable players all the more valuable.

A case in point is winger Nathan Shaw, who slotted into a left-back role and has been Blackpool’s outstanding player in pre-season, while experienced left-back James Husband has played as a central defender.

Fellow defender Calum Macdonald yesterday joined Tranmere Rovers on a season-long loan.

Shaw was the only Blackpool player on the field for the whole of Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Barrow and Critchley said of the 19-year-old: “I thought he was excellent, I have to say. He was playing in a position he probably wouldn’t say was his favourite position.

“We asked him to do a job at left-back. I thought he did it very well at Port Vale on Saturday and he did extremely well again against Barrow.

“We asked him to play 90 minutes and he’s done it. Both defensively and in attack he was excellent.”

And Critchley explained why such versatility will be key, adding: “I think this season, with the salary cap coming in and the squad restrictions you’re going to face, it’s important to have players who have that versatility in your squad.

“Nathan is one of them but we also have quite a few in the squad, which is all part of the recruitment process. We’ve tried to bring in players who aren’t just specialists in one position and I think that will be a big help for us throughout the season.”