Bowyer's stark warning for Blackpool's fringe players

The robust message appeared to be aimed in the direction of Armand Gnanduillet and Danny Philliskirk, whose names haven’t appeared on Blackpool’s team sheets in recent weeks.

The duo have struggled for form for much of the season and have found themselves expelled on the sidelines, with starting appearances few and far between.

But the Pool boss says putting a shift in every day in training is the only way fringe players will get themselves involved on matchday.

He said: “It’s simple, they’ve got two choices: they either react positively and give themselves a case for being in the team or squad or they don’t. If they don’t, it makes my job a whole lot easier.

“It’s up to them and that’s the same for anybody who’s out of the team. It really is that simple.

“You can dress it up however you want but if they’re not pushing and busting a gut on the training pitch then it makes selection so much easier.”

Meanwhile Bowyer has revealed his players have returned to the training ground to address the issue of their penalty misses.

The Seasiders have missed four spot kicks this season in all competitions, with Neil Danns the latest casualty after shooting wide from 12 yards against Crawley Town on Tuesday night.

Bowyer added: “If there is a penalty this weekend I’m sure Neil Danns would be the first to try and get it. But we might practice penalties and get someone who knows how to put it in.

“We’ve missed three in the league. We had Yeovil away and I think Armand’s one is still travelling now. Then we had Danny Philliskirk here and now Neil Danns, although Philly also missed one in the cup against Wycombe.

“They’re great opportunities to score a goal from 12 yards and we have to make sure to convert them when they do come along.”