Blackpool have been boosted by news that Gary Taylor-Fletcher's injury may not be as bad as first feared.

Taylor-Fletcher was substituted in the FA Cup defeat to Everton after clashing with Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard.

The immediate thoughts were that the striker had suffered ligament damage, but those fears have subsided after a scan revealed it is only bone bruising.

"It's bone bruising and sometimes that can be absolutely lethal because it takes ages to clear," manager Ian Holloway told the club's official website.

The 30-year-old missed the home defeat to West Ham and while a timescale has not been placed on his recovery, Holloway is hoping the bruising will clear sooner rather than later.

"Hopefully it doesn't [take long to clear], because he's sorely missed," he added.