Ian Holloway has hailed the influence of Matt Gilks on the Blackpool squad as they look to avoid the drop.
Pool boss admits goalkeeper has 'helped immensely'
Ian Holloway has hailed the influence of goalkeeper Matt Gilks on the Blackpool squad as they look to avoid the drop.
The Pool boss has praised the shot-stopper for the way he has helped the squad maintain their self-belief in the face of adversity.
Gilks was Holloway's first choice for the opening 13 matches of the season but he fractured a kneecap against West Ham in November.
Now, with the keeper back in first-team action having played the last three matches, the Seasiders are hoping to preserve their Premier League status and Holloway believes it is vital he is back in the fold.
Talking
"I still don't think he is totally fully fit," Holloway said.
"Anyone who has lost movement for a while and suffers muscle wastage would not be fully right, but what he adds is all sorts of belief to the people around him because he is talking non-stop.
"He does not stop talking, even in my team meetings - I've got to shut him up sometimes because he is that vocal!
"It is in times like this that you need characters and he is definitely one of them. It has helped immensely."
Gilks, who kept the club's first home clean sheet of the season in last Saturday's goalless draw with Stoke, will hope to do the same on Saturday when the Tangerines face Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Pool then host Bolton before travelling to Manchester United on the last day of the season.
