Status of ex-Wigan Athletic striker confirmed for Blackpool's meeting with Burton Albion
Blackpool take on Burton Albion at Bloomfield Road this weekend.
Dale Taylor is set to make his return to action for Blackpool this weekend against Burton Albion.
The striker, who joined the club from Nottingham Forest in the summer, has struggled with injury throughout his time on the Fylde Coast so far.
After missing a large chunk of the first half of the campaign due to a hamstring problem, the former Wigan Athletic and Burton loanee was ruled out again due to a broken metatarsal just three games after getting back into the action.
Taylor’s return comes at a crucial time, with the Seasiders looking to pick up some vital points in order to retain their League One status - starting with Saturday’s meeting with the Brewers.
Providing an update on the 22-year-old, Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt said: “He’s back available - he’ll be involved. I’ve been excited by what I’ve seen in training this week, but we also can’t pile too much pressure on him because he’s been out a long time.
“He’s had a wretched season, and he needs our patience, and our time and support - he’s going to get that from me.”
Blackpool defender back on the grass
Elsewhere, Andy Lyons is making progress in his own return to action, Ryan Finnigan is awaiting an opportunity to make his comeback after a spell on the sidelines, and Michael Ihiekwe is still managing his ongoing toe problem.
“Andy is back on the grass, so he’s not a million miles away,” Evatt added.
“Ryan missed some time, and unfortunately for him we’ve had quite a lot of availability of late so we’ve been able to pick squads suited to games. He’s missed out in the last couple of games but has trained really well and will be back in and around it on Saturday.
“We’ve been laughing with Michael (Ihiekwe) that this toe needs its own name, and probably needs its own social media page. It’s been a tough one for him to take, it’s been tough for us to take, and incredibly frustrating, but he’s put himself forward and he’s got a huge amount of my respect for that.
“It’s gathered some nicknames - I won’t share them with you. It’s maybe a good thing to open a poll on who can find the best name for his toe - we’d all find that quite amusing.”
Your next story from the Gazette: Former Blackpool favourite opens up on special connection, being brave, and 'painful' departure.