Midfielder Looking Forward To FA Cup Tie
Jim McAlister says Blackpool must go out and make the most of their Emirates FA Cup third round tie against Barnsley on Saturday.

The Seasiders go into the match against The Championship side as underdogs, looking to reach the next stage of the competition for the first time since 2012.

"It's an FA Cup tie where the pressure is going to be on Barnsley pretty much, being two leagues above us and what not," McAlister said. "It's a game you can look to go and enjoy."

McAlister was part of Blackpool teams that faced The Tykes twice last season, prior to the opposition securing promotion to The Championship.

"In the away game for an hour we competed and I think we got a draw here against them. I don't think their squad has changed too much so it's a game we'll hold no fear going in to, that's for sure," he admitted.

The midfielder, who started in two league fixtures over the festive period, is aiming to reclaim a place in the line-up for this weekend's cup clash, having previously been on the bench for several matches.

"At 31, it's the first extended period in my career that I haven't played. I try and set targets in my head and the last one was to start my 500th game, which was at Everton in the Checkatrade Trophy," he revealed.

"I hadn't really played since, which was really frustrating, but to be fair to the team they went on a good run of results. If you're left out of the team and they go on a good run of results then you can't really complain.

"If I do get back in this weekend or whenever it is, it's up to me to try and keep my place in the team."

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