Simms made only the sixth start of his senior career in Blackpool’s 1-1 draw against Wimbledon on Saturday and marked the occasion by scoring his side’s only goal.
Despite scoring, the Everton loan star was taken off with around 20 minutes still left on the clock and Blackpool boss Critchley has explained that starting five consecutive games has affected the youngster physically.
The Seasiders head coach insisted that Simms is still becoming accustomed to League One football and stressed the need for him to come to terms with the intense nature of senior football soon.
Critchley went on to express his delight at Simms scoring his first home goal for Blackpool before pointing out he is a poacher who thrives in the penalty box.
“He’s a young player, he’s leading the line and him and Jerry [Yates] put themselves about with a physical presence“, Critchley was quoted as saying by the Blackpool Gazette.
“I think that was his fifth start and physically it’s taken a lot out of him playing so many games in such a short period of time.
“But he’s got to get used to that.
“Nevertheless, it was a great moment for him and I’m delighted he got that goal at Bloomfield Road.
“That’s the sort of typical goal he scores.
“He’s a poacher, he’s a penalty box player.“
Simms has scored three goals and provided two assists from eight League One appearances for Blackpool since joining on loan from Everton in January.
