Simon Grayson has insisted that his recent decision to drop top goalscorer Armand Gnanduillet has reaped dividends in recent weeks. 

The 27-year-old has scored 11 league goals in 18 appearances for Simon Grayson's men so far this term, but did find himself dropped for games against Burton Albion.

Gnanduillet has responded with goals in his next few matches and following his omission from the XI against Burton, scored four goals in Blackpool's next two games.

Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, boss Simon Grayson said: "Armand is in a good place and long may that continue, he’s one that responds to a bit of criticism. I think when he got left out, rested, however you want to phrase it, at Burton he came back with a little bit to prove."

"He’ll be the first to admit there have been games where he’s not played as well as he has shown in other games," Grayson continued."Full credit to him, when he has had a couple of bad games he’s responded in the right manner."

Blackpool sit fifth in the League One table and only three points off the automatic promotions places, with Gnanduillet's performances being one of the key factors as to why they find themselves in such a healthy position.

Simon Grayson's men host Shrewsbury Town on Saturday hoping to increase the pressure on the top two in League One and Gnanduillet will be hoping he rediscovers his scoring form after failing to find the net last time out against Sunderland.

The Verdict 

Grayson has demonstrated at various clubs that he is a good man manager and this is ringing true once again at Blackpool.

It takes a bold manager to occasionally drop one of his key players but given the way Gnanduillet has responded each time, Grayson's decision has been justified.

Grayson has no doubt helped steer Blackpool towards an upward trajectory after years of crisis and for the first time in a long time, Blackpool feels like a club united.

Although the manager has acknowledged that Gnanduillet occasionally needs 'an arm around', he clearly has shown he has the best interests of both the player and the club in order.