Blackpool's new signing looks forward to learning from head coach Neil Critchley

During his time as Liverpool’s Under-23 coach, Critchley brought through the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Neco Williams.

Ekpiteta, who has ambitions of his own to climb the league pyramid, is looking forward to working with a coach renowned for developing young talent.

“It’s perfect working under a coach like Neil Critchley,” the 24-year-old said.

“You only have to look at all the players he’s developed at Liverpool.

“Hopefully he can do something similar for me and take my game to the next level.

“Everything I have heard from the club is positive stuff in terms of where the club wants to go. It matches where I want to go as a player as well, it all fits in nicely.

“I’m so happy, I can’t wait to get started. It’s especially nice to get the move nice and early before pre-season starts so I can kick on.”

Ekpiteta is one of three new arrivals at Bloomfield Road so far this summer, the defender joining Keshi Anderson and Oliver Sarkic on the Fylde coast.

The centre-back recently arrived on a free transfer having turned down the offer of a new deal at Leyton Orient.

The 24-year-old, described as a quick, modern-day defender, has signed a two-year deal with the option to extend by a further 12 months.

Describing what fans can expect to see from him in tangerine, Ekpiteta added: “I bring aggression, I love to defend and I can play as well when the time is right.

“I think we’ve got a good bunch of lads here so I think we can do anything we want to, we can go all the way.”

Ekpiteta, who has been capped by Nigeria’s Under-20 side as well as England C, came through the youth ranks at Oxford United.

The 6ft 4in defender had to drop down to non-league to get his chance, playing for the likes of Witham Town, Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United.

He got his move to Orient in January 2018, helping the O’s win the National League title under the late Justin Edinburgh in his first full season.

He went on to make 79 appearances in total, scoring six times.

His brother Marvel, also a defender, plays for Newport County in League Two.

The Seasiders were keen to add to their defensive ranks following the departures of loanees Ben Heneghan and Taylor Moore.