Blackpool boss Simon Grayson will tread carefully with Keith Southern ahead of this weekend's trip to Championship leaders Stoke.The midfield stalwart is struggling with the hamstring problem which forced him to miss Saturday's derby clash with Preston at Bloomfield Road.

The injury is a strain and not a tear, encouraging hopes Southern could be passed fit for the Britannia Stadium clash.

Grayson said: "He isn't going to be out for long and maybe he'll be back for the weekend but I don't know.

"We'll assess it but like any hamstring problem there is no point taking any risks.

"If you play when you're not completely ready then you will only make it worse and be out for the rest of the season."

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