Blackpool manager Neil Critchley makes this Elliot Embleton prediction after the Sunderland loanee makes his debut at Ipswich Town

Blackpool manager Neil Critchley is predicting that Elliot Embleton will become a ‘really important’ player for the Seasiders in the remainder of the season.
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The 21-year-old made his debut for Blackpool at Ipswich Town on Saturday, having joined the club on loan until the end of the season on Deadline Day

Embleton was in high-demand towards the end of the window with a host of League Two sides also keen on a deal – with the youngster having previously excelled in the fourth tier with Grimsby Town.

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But it was Blackpool who won the race and he was thrust straight into action as he started at Portman Road, playing 82 minutes of the game.

Sunderland loanee Elliot Embleton featured for Blackpool against Ipswich Town on Saturday - and his manager was enthusedSunderland loanee Elliot Embleton featured for Blackpool against Ipswich Town on Saturday - and his manager was enthused
Sunderland loanee Elliot Embleton featured for Blackpool against Ipswich Town on Saturday - and his manager was enthused

And while the result wasn’t what the attacking midfielder would have hoped for – with the North West side beaten 2-0 on their travels – his performance gave encouragement to Critchley that he will prove to be an astute signing.

“I thought he did his job really well first-half and he showed his ability on the ball,” said the Blackpool boss, speaking to the club’s official website.

“He did a really good job defensively for us and he had a good shot in the first-half which the 'keeper saved.

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“He's not played loads of football recently for Sunderland so he tired a little bit in the second half, but I think he showed in the games coming up that he'll be really important for us.”

Embleton will be hoping for more game-time when Blackpool host Burton Albion on Tuesday evening.

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