Long-range sharp-shooter Longstaff targets perfect 10 for Blackpool

Don’t miss the latest football news and gossip from leagues in England, Scotland and Europe with footballwire.co.ukThe on-loan Newcastle United man scored the second goal in Pool’s 3-0 win against the Cobblers on Tuesday with a trademark long-range effort.

The 20-year-old now has four games to find that 10th goal, which would be some achievement given this is his first full season in professional football.

Longstaff, who also scored against Bradford last weekend, said of Tuesday’s strike: “I think it was Viv (Solomon-Otabor) who passed to me and I only ever seem to score long-rangers when Viv passes it, so I thought I might as well have a hit.

“Luckily it’s gone in because it’s been a while since I scored one like that.

“Getting double figures was the aim at the start of the year when I came. I spoke to the manager and that was the goal that was set, so now I’m just one away and hopefully it comes sooner rather than later.

“It’s great on a personal level but more importantly it’s good for the team because we’re playing well . It’s easier to do well when everyone is performing.

“To be playing in front of Jimmy (Ryan) and Jay (Spearing) gives me that little bit of freedom to roam and do what I want to do. They’ve definitely made it a lot easier.”

The past week’s two wins mean the Seasiders are now 11 points clear of the League One relegation zone.

Pool, who now sit 12th in League One on 53 points, should have enough to stay up but Longstaff says they aren’t content just to sit still.

“We just want to kick on,” he added. “Not many teams go down on 53 points but we wouldn’t want to be the team that does, so it’s about winning as many as we can.

“It probably takes a bit of pressure off because we know other teams have got to beat us.

“That might leave space for Viv and Delf (Nathan Delfouneso), and we can hit sides on the counter.

“We won’t change the way we play. It’s been pretty similar the whole season.

“We’ve got a fit bunch and we work hard in training, so the fitness staff get us well prepared for every game.

“It’s really about wanting to do it more than the other team.”