Neil Critchley pleased with what he saw from two trialists in Blackpool's latest friendly outing

Demetri Mitchell featured for the second game running, getting a useful 75 minutes under his belt after playing the second half in Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Everton.

The 23-year-old left-back, who has recently been training with Sunderland, has just returned from a long-term injury lay-off.

A mystery centre back, meanwhile, was also handed a start against Blackburn in midweek, recovering from a shaky start to deliver a solid display.

“I thought he showed what he’s about,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“He had some moments on the ball, but I think that was more about the organisation in front of him because we didn’t quite have it right all the time.

“When you’re trying to implement a way of playing it’s very hard to do both out of possession and in possession in just four or five weeks, so that wasn’t his fault.

“I thought his defending and some of the tackles and blocks were very good and I thought he showed a really good temperament in the game.

“When he made a mistake on the ball early on it didn’t affect him, so I was really pleased with how he did.”

On Mitchell, Critchley added: “He played 45 minutes on Saturday and he’s followed that up with 75 minutes on Tuesday night. It’s the first time he’s played football in a long, long time.

“I thought he showed some really nice moments and he will benefit massively from that.

“I think he grew in confidence as the game went and he showed his attacking qualities, that’s for certain.”

The game against Blackburn was the club’s final pre-season outing before they get their competitive action underway against Stoke City on Saturday.

Following Pool’s Carabao Cup first round tie, the Seasiders then have to wait until September 12 to open their league account away at Plymouth Argyle.

“Physically I think we’re ready,” Critchley said.

“As a coach you always want a long time to prepare but it is what it is.

“The way the boys have taken everything on board on the training pitch and have implemented it, I don’t want to keep coining the phrase ‘we’re a work in progress’ but we are.

“If we can progress while we’re winning games then all the better because the belief within the team and the squad will grow.

“I’m really pleased with where we’re at, however it’s just pre-season and the game against Stoke on Saturday will be different as will the league games.

“I just can’t wait to get started.”