Daniel Gretarsson's return a welcome sight for Blackpool after lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury

The centre-back had his first taste of action since January 9 on Saturday after coming on as a half-time substitute during Pool’s 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle.

The 25-year-old, who replaced Jordan Thorniley at the break, had previously been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

“It was a real bonus that Daniel came on and came through it,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“You’re always unsure when you’re throwing someone on at half-time in a situation like that.

“He’d been out for so long you weren’t quite sure how they’d find the rhythm of the game, but he managed to do that straight away.

“It was a real positive to get him through that 45 minutes and play how he did, I was really pleased with that.”

Thorniley was replaced at half-time after being given a torrid time by former Seasider Ryan Hardie, who had given Plymouth a 1-0 lead at the interval.

Blackpool came out a different team in the second-half, turning the game on its head thanks to goals from Sullay Kaikai and Jerry Yates.

Critchley’s side weren’t able to hold on for the three points as Joe Edwards levelled at the death, but nevertheless Pool remain in the League One play-offs and unbeaten in their last 11 outings.

“We had trouble building our play up and getting from one half to the other with controlled possession,” Critchley conceded.

“We spoke about how we were going to get in their half of the pitch a bit better and a bit easier at half-time.

“No two halves are the same and we felt the game would open up a little bit and they might struggle to maintain what they were doing and it turned out like that.

“We deservedly went 2-1 up and we had good counter-attacking moments where, if we were more clinical or showed more quality, the game would be over.

“They didn’t really have a shot in the second-half. We were comfortable until the 91st minute.”

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