Blackpool manager Paul Ince has revealed that he feels fortunate that defender Gary MacKenzie has not been ruled out for the majority of the season.

MacKenzie will miss the club's fixtures over Christmas with a hip problem, and while Ince has admitted that he is disappointed to lose the Scot, he is relieved that he will be ready to return in January.

The 46-year-old told BBC Radio Lancashire: "We're fortunate because we thought that he might be out for three or four months.

"We won't have him in over Christmas, which is a blow, because he and Kirk Broadfoot have been outstanding for us this season."

The 28-year-old has started 17 matches for the Seasiders during this campaign.