Southern Back, Baps A Doubt

Keith Southern is back in action today as he steps up his return from injury by starting for the Blackpool Reserves season opener against Aston Villa at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.

Southern, who suffered medial knee ligament damage during Blackpool’s pre season defeat to Bristol City, was set to be sidelined for a few months but has battled hard to regain fitness and is eager to get back onto the pitch to help Blackpool’s battle in the Premier League.

However it isn’t good news for one Blackpool player. Alex John Baptiste is a major doubt for Pools next game against fellow promoted club Newcastle United at St James Park. The promising defender was the victim of a powerful DJ shot that fractured a bone in his hand.



Is it fingers crossed he’ll be OK for Saturday? That’s a bad way of putting it. It certainly won’t be fingers crossed. It will be bone fixed and then he might cross his fingers in a couple of weeks.’ Holloway said.

Two other doubts for the game on Saturday are Rob Edwards and Gary Taylor-Fletcher. Rob Edwards, who was a potential starter to step in for Baps on Saturday, is suffering from a swollen ankle whilst GTF is suffering from a calf problem.

But with a potential 3 pointer and a tough test against Chelsea to follow, Holloway will be hoping for all his players to be available.