Jackson steps up fitness battle

Jackson has scored twice in 81 appearances for Blackpool (Getty)

Blackpool captain Michael Jackson has admitted he is relieved to be back in action after missing nearly two months with a torn hamstring.

The 34-year-old defender, injured during Blackpool's defeat at Ipswich in February, played an hour of Wednesday's reserve game against Preston.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I felt a bit apprehensive beforehand.

"I wanted to play and was a bit cautious, but it just feels good to be back and playing again."

Hopefully now I can just keep building on what I've done because it's been depressing and boring Michael Jackson

Jackson also admitted it has been frustrating watching from the sidelines.

"Hopefully now I can keep building my fitness because it's been depressing and boring.

"I need some more training days with the first team because each day's a building process. If it went again then you're talking about being out a lot longer, so I'll just continue to build it slowly."

The Seasiders go into this weekend's game with Crystal Palace five points above the bottom three.

Jackson has targeted Sheffield Wednesday's visit to Bloomfield Road in mid-April as potentially a relegation decider.

"I've been looking at the table and think if we can beat them then it'll put us safe.

"If we lose against Palace and then Sheffield Wednesday win then we're dragged back into it," he added.