Curtis Tilt joined Blackpool in June 2017 from non-league Wrexham in the first move of the summer for the Seasiders.

He'd spent his entire career in the non-league scene, playing for Halesowen, Hednesford and Telford before joining Wrexham.

The Dragons were struggling to impose themselves on the National League and their quick, committed defender was handed a deal in League One. He was Gary Bowyer's first summer signing on promotion and came with a ringing endorsement.

It was noted he perhaps had a little defensive naivety, but his electric pace often got him out of trouble. His aerial ability was also lauded, with most fans agreeing he seemed to be a solid signing.

There's always a risk when a player comes out of the non-league scene that he fails to adapt to the pace of the higher level. Sometimes the gamble pays off, but other times it can blow up in your face.

It's fair to say with Tilt, there was no such calamity. He's gone on to prove himself more than capable of holding his own at the top end of League One, with his all-action displays attracting the attention of other clubs, Scottish giants Rangers included.

Now 27, the centre back has become one of the hottest players outside the top two divisions. He's made 82 starts for Blackpool, 74 of those coming in League One.

He's been virtually ever-present, never coming off the bench and always proving himself to be a committed and combative force.

Those Rangers rumours won't go away, Steven Gerrard is thought to be a keen admirer and it seems his original capture was shrewd business by Gary Bowyer.

Whether we'll see the former Hednesford man in Europa League action remains to be seen, but the positivity that met his capture was certainly well justified...