Neil Critchley not finished yet with squad-strengthening at Blackpool

The Seasiders have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market this summer, bringing in 11 recruits and moving on 17.

But Pool’s head coach isn’t quite satisfied yet, with a centre-back and a right-back likely to top his priority list.

When asked if he knows what side he’ll pick for Saturday’s League One curtain- raiser at Plymouth Argyle, Critchley replied: “I know what I think our best team would be, but I think there are one or two areas we’d still like to strengthen if we can.

“I wouldn’t have thought that will be before Saturday, but sometimes things move quicker than you think and sometimes they move slower. It can be a game of patience and we continue to work.

“ If something happens before the weekend, great; if it doesn’t, then I’m confident that whatever team we put out on Saturday is capable of going to Plymouth and getting a result.”

Critchley handed debuts to three of his summer signings in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy draw with Barrow.

Jordan Williams performed well in the middle of the park, while Dan Kemp and Bez Lubala showed glimpses of what they’re capable of in attack.

“I thought they all had really good moments, and we’ve got to remember Bez has not played any football in pre-season,” Critchley added.

“We were always planning on taking him off, but he looked fine and physically he lasted the game comfortably.

“He had some really good moments but it was just that little bit of end-product – you could say the same for everyone.

“Kempy had some lively moments, a lovely run in the first half, and he had a chance in the box when he was probably offside.

“That’s him – he picks up really good positions in the penalty box. He’s got a good goalscoring record. He goes into spaces unmarked and the more he plays with our players and the more they get used to him, that combination will develop even further.

“Jordan got better as the game went on and his influence on the team grew the longer the game continued.

“I’m delighted all those players got 90 minutes. They will need to rest and recover, and be ready to go again for the weekend.”

James Husband is a doubt for Saturday’s long trip to Devon after injuring his hamstring during Tuesday’s warm-up prior.

Matty Virtue and Oliver Sarkic could come into contention after returning to training yesterday.