Blackpool boss won't rush the club's youngsters into the first team

The Seasiders handed first starts to goalkeeper Jack Sims and midfielder Cameron Antwi in last week’s Papa John’s Trophy victory against Leeds United’s Under-21s.

Rob Apter, meanwhile, was then handed a debut late on as he came off the bench – just over a week after the 17-year-old had signed a professional contract.

With the likes of Brad Holmes and Ewan Bange also impressing for the youth team, it’s led to calls from certain quarters for more of Blackpool’s youngsters to feature for the senior side.

Despite his background in youth coaching with Liverpool, Critchley has suggested they must remain patient and give the youngsters the necessary time to learn.

“It always depends on them, they make the decisions,” he told The Gazette.

“If they play well, then I’d like to think I’m someone who will believe in youth and give them an opportunity.

“They will make that decision. They’ve got a million and one things to improve upon, but I could say that about some of the players that play in the first team.

“We’re always learning, we’re always trying to get better. They’re young, very young, and they’ve got time on their side so let’s give them that time.”

Sims enjoyed an impressive showing in the EFL Trophy last week, remaining solid throughout before making a vital save to maintain his clean sheet.

“He made a big save at 2-0 and I was getting angry and frustrated at that point,” Critchley said.

“I said at half-time the third goal in any game is a big goal, so if they get it the momentum suddenly changes. If we get it the game is over.

“We had numerous chances at the start of the second half when we were winning the ball back high but we didn’t kill them off.

“It was a really important moment and it was a good save from Jack.

“He deserved that moment because he trains very well every day, he always gives his best and he’s a great personality.

“The lads love having him around, so do I, and I was delighted with the way he played.”

As for Apter, Critchley said the attacking midfielder was fully deserving of his recent opportunity in the first team.

The Liverpool-born youngster scored nine goals for the youth team last season and assisted a further 10 for his team-mates.

This season, he has continued to put in some impressive performances for Danny Ventre’s side and added another two goals and three assists to his tally for the Under-18s.

“I’ve been really impressed with Rob, I thought he was excellent here in the FA Youth Cup game the other week,” Critchley said.

“He’s signed his professional contract and hopefully this will give other lads in the academy a lift.

“It’s a credit to the staff within the youth team that he’s got that opportunity and I’m sure Ciaran (Donnelly), Danny (Ventre) and Murphy (John Murphy) will be delighted for him.”

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