Blackpool striker Armand is ready to get physical

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The Frenchman is now in his fifth season in England, having made the move from his homeland in 2013.

The 6ft 4in striker is blessed with height and strength but until recently, the 26-year-old has struggled to use them to his advantage.

His manager Gary Bowyer has previously called on his striker to make the most of his physical attributes.

That demand seems to have come to fruition in recent weeks, with Gnanduillet finding the back of the net in each of Blackpool’s last two games.

He came off the bench to rescue a draw for the Seasiders against Walsall last weekend, before breaking the deadlock in the third minute of Pool’s shock 2-0 win against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night.

“I think this is the first time I scored as early as this,” Gnanduillet said.

“The gaffer said at half-time that 2-0 can be the worst score to try and keep, but I think all the lads, Joe (Lumley), the back four and everybody else was absolutely top class.

“I think we deserved this victory.

“It was hard but we got the three points as well as the clean sheet, which is the main thing.

“In England it is very tough. I have been here five years now and it’s always a battle. I like to play against a big defender to show my strength and to show what I can do.

“It was a great fight but I’m happy because we won.”

Blackpool upset the odds to pick up a much-needed three points at Wigan on Tuesday; winning for the first time in six games.

Heading into the game at the DW Stadium, the Seasiders had only won two of their last 18 games in League One.

But Gnanduillet opened the scoring, netting on what was his birthday, before Kelvin Mellor doubled the lead before half time.

“It was a difficult game against a good team, who I think are going to be champions this season, so we are happy to win this game,” Gnanduillet added.

“It was also great to give a beautiful goodbye to Dave (Timmins) because this is his last game.

“I’m also happy because it was my birthday and I scored. I had a great game against some of my friends especially the manager who brought me to England.

“Paul Cook was my first manager in England. We had a great moment because we won the league with Chesterfield a few years ago and we went to Wembley as well.

“So he was my first manager and he taught me a lot about English football. So I’m happy to score against his team and I’m very proud.”