Injuries mount for Holloway

Midfielder Elliot Grandin, who had to be substituted early on in the Seasiders' 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, is set to have a scan on his hamstring and definitely misses out.

Stephen Crainey will be absent again due to his ankle problem, while Brett Ormerod (groin) and Gary Taylor-Fletcher (hamstring) are also carrying knocks.

With Paul Rachubka (knee) sidelined, Matt Gilks still working his way back to fitness and Holloway's attempts to sign a goalkeeper on an emergency loan so far proving fruitless, youngster Chris Kettings could be on the bench as back-up to Richard Kingson for a second successive game.

Mark Halstead, who has returned from a loan spell at Kettering but is not fully match-fit, is another potential option.

Striker Sergei Kornilenko is still a week away from being ready for first-team action, and although fellow January recruit Salaheddine Sbai is the right physical shape to play, Holloway would rather bring him into the side when Grandin is available to help him communicate.

Source: PA