What Blackpool boss Michael Appleton has made of Jake Beesley's performances since his return from long-term injury

The 26-year-old has come off the bench in both of Blackpool’s games since their return from the World Cup break.

On both occasions he showed no signs of rustiness, which will come as a welcome boost for the Seasiders given the forward has been out of action since fracturing his foot in pre-season.

“I thought he was great,” Appleton said after Beesley’s cameo off the bench against Cardiff City.

“He complimented Gaz (Madine) unbelievably well, he’s almost a younger version of him in a way.

“But he just gave us legs, he applied pressure to every single player who got within 8-10 yards of him, so it gave us a right lift and a boost.

“Not only him, CJ (Hamilton) and Ian (Poveda) played their part as well so I’m really happy with the way the subs made an impact.

“We took a point out of the game but arguably, with the moments we had in the second-half, it could have been all three.”

While Beesley is a number nine and seen as an alternative to Madine, the former Rochdale man could also do a job out on either wing according to his boss.

That’s something both Shayne Lavery and Jerry Yates have had to get used to this season with Appleton opting to keep faith with his favoured 4-3-3 formation.

“It’s great to have Jake in and around it again. Depending on how the game is going, he just gives us options,” he said.

“Whether that’s playing off the line or down the middle, he’s obviously full of running, full of energy and he’s obviously desperate to play.

“In some ways it’s like a new signing. With January just around the corner it’s a big boost for everybody.

“We spoke before about hoping to have one or two more back from injury but we are where we are, it is what it is and the group are looking forward to the games coming up.”

After making the move from Spotland in January, Beesley scored twice in six appearances at the back end of last season.