Blackpool players' big chance to impress Bowyer

Attackers Danny Philliskirk (ankle) and Kyle Vassell (hip) are expected to miss the first-round tie (7.45pm) after picking up knocks in the 2-0 opening-day win over Exeter, though Bowyer revealed that winger Bright Osayi-Samuel’s feared calf injury turned out to be just a touch of cramp.

And Bowyer added that last week’s signings Michael Cain and Eddie Nolan, who has recovered from a knock, should feature against Phil Parkinson’s League One side as Pool bid to win a League Cup tie for the first time in seven years.

The manager said: “It is another opportunity to try to win a game of football.

“We have got to take into consideration the injuries we picked up on Saturday and see who is fully recovered as we try to put a team together to get through to the next round.

“Philliskirk is out. He won’t play. Vassell picked up a knock, so we’ll see how he is. Bright is good. He just had cramp – it wasn’t his calf.

“One or two others picked up a couple of bumps and bruises.

“Obviously for some it was their first 90 minutes at the start of the season, so we have to monitor them and see how they have recovered.

“In terms of numbers we are not blessed with masses at the moment, so it will force my hand in terms of team selection.

“But whoever we play – and we said this to the group on Monday – they have to put a case forward for being involved against Morecambe on Saturday.

“If they did not play against Exeter, I’m looking forward to watching how they respond and take the challenge on.

“I expect an incredibly difficult game. Phil has a history of cup runs with Bradford City and he did remarkably well there.

“He finds himself going into a situation that is a bit different for him, with the club he’s now at and the number of players he has got.

“He has a massive squad and the ability to rotate, so whoever they play is going to provide us with a big challenge.”

Match preview: Page 45