BLACKPOOL boss Neil Critchley labelled Saints youngster Dom Ballard "a goalscorer" following his loan switch to the League One club.

Ballard has joined The Tangerines on a loan deal until the end of the season having recovered from his long-term knee injury.

The 19 year old suffered a patella injury last season which cut his time at Reading short. Prior to that blow, the England youth international had scored five goals in 12 games under Rubén Sellés.

One of those games was against Critchley's Blackpool - and despite losing 4-1, Ballard impressed the former QPR boss.

Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, Critchley said: “I’d seen him before for Southampton and England youth teams, but he caught our eye when he played for Reading at Blackpool.

“Even though we won the game, I thought he played very well that day. We just wanted something a little bit different, and we think Dom will provide that.

"He’s got a great personality and belief in himself, and he’s a goalscorer. We’re delighted he’s here and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Ballard could make his Blackpool debut on Saturday when they host Stockport at Bloomfield Road.