Richard Keogh Blackpool void outlined as former Oxford defender ready to step in

Michael Appleton believes Blackpool defender Jordan Thorniley is more than capable of stepping up to fill the void Richard Keogh has left behind.

The Seasiders lost the experience centre half to League One Ipswich Town after he's understood to have expressed a desire to move closer to home. Keogh became a fan favourite at Bloomfield Road despite only spending one full season with the club and his characteristics both on and off the pitch have left a mark for years to come.

Replacing that is no easy task with his know-how and quality combined at the age of 36-years-old a rarity, particularly in the second tier of English football. Appleton was unsure on whether or not Blackpool will eventually opt to directly replace Keogh in the transfer market, but feels he already has one capable replacement in the building already when asked if there is a gap that needs filling.

"Maybe, maybe not. Obviously we've got someone who played alongside Marvin (Ekpiteta) on Tuesday night in Jordan Thorniley who was very good and very reliable. I knew Jordan from him going out on loan as well as him playing for Blackpool in the past so he's more than capable of filling that left side role.

"With Hubby getting back into the fold, he can do a stint at centre half as well so it's something that we'll keep open and be open-minded about but it's not something that we're in a mad rush to fill."

Whilst Keogh's quality at centre half made him a prominent starting figure in the Blackpool lineup, his personality and ability to work with players to develop their games as well was evident. Ekpiteta formed a partnership with Keogh that brought his game on to the next level and whilst a direct positional replacement of his experience may not be something