Notts County to check on Matt Tootle ahead of Blackpool clash

Posted Friday, April 28, 2017 by PA

Matt Tootle faces a race against time to be fit for Notts County's final home game of the season against play-off hopefuls Blackpool.

Tootle missed the defeat at Luton with a hamstring injury and should he not make it Josh Clackstone is likely to continue in his absence at right-back.

Midfielder Mark Yeates will hope for a recall against his former club while Alan Smith, Curtis Thompson and Jonathan Forte are also vying to be in manager Kevin Nolan's starting line-up.

Captain Michael O'Connor has been ruled out for up to nine months after sustaining a knee injury against Portsmouth and he requires surgery.

Blackpool are just missing long-term absentees Jim McAlister and Jamille Matt.

McAlister broke his leg in early February while striker Matt has a hamstring tear that could rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Ian Black, Kyle Vassell and Bright Samuel are all options for boss Gary Bowyer if he decides to freshen things up, although his team have not conceded in their past three games.

The Seasiders are currently sixth in the League Two table and their goal difference is so superior to their rivals that four points from their final two fixtures should ensure they enter the play-offs.