Ian Poveda finally shining for Blackpool after No 10’s matchwinning performance against Nottingham Forest, with boss Michael Appleton insisting ‘the penny has dropped’ for the Leeds loanee and former Man City youngster
- Ian Poveda scored one and made another in Blackpool’s FA Cup win on Saturday
- They beat Nottingham Forest to set up tie with another Premier League side
- Poveda is on loan from Leeds United, and proved important to the Seasiders
- Forest boss Steve Cooper said he would still make 11 changes despite the defeat
Blackpool are in the Championship relegation places but this stunning FA Cup success had a sprinkling of Premier League stardust about it, a good example of how the loan system works at its best.
Midfielder Charlie Patino, 19, avenged his defeat against Forest in the same competition with Arsenal a year ago while Manchester City winger Morgan Rogers, 20, impressed on debut as a second-half substitute.
Above all, Ian Poveda, borrowed from Leeds United, scored one and assisted another in a man-of-the-match display that top-flight Forest couldn’t handle.
Ian Poveda, on loan from Leeds United, scored one and made another in Blackpool’s cup win
Poveda is 22 and finally starting to fulfil the potential seen first in City’s academy and more recently at Leeds.
He was a major force behind the Seasiders exploiting a weakened Forest line-up to record their first win in 10 and reach the fourth round 70 years after winning this most famous cup of all.
‘It was definitely one of his best performances for us and the goal probably nudges it as the very best,’ said Blackpool manager Michael Appleton about his exciting No 10. ‘Since the break the penny has dropped a little bit. His work-rate is incredible for a lad in his position.
‘He still has a lot of learning left in him. There is nothing I can teach him in his ability to go past people. That’s just natural. What I can do is help him out of possession, get in good areas to help his team-mates out and hurt the opposition.
‘He is a Premier League player, he’s just got to believe it. In terms of his passing, crossing and shooting, that’s pure ability. He’s beginning to understand that the game is not just about when the ball is at his feet.’
Boss Michael…