Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy admitted that their 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers was the 'most disappointing' defeat he has suffered so far.

Picking up his first win at Bloomfield Road on Saturday against Stoke City, the Tangerines went into the Lancashire derby with renewed hope that Championship safety could be secured.

However, a defeat to the Rovers leaves them stranded in the bottom three, along with Huddersfield Town and Wigan Athletic, four points adrift.

Heading to Berkshire on Saturday, the wounded side will be looking to complete the double over former boss Paul Ince, having beaten the Royals on the opening day.

"From Saturday when we come away feeling good we let ourselves down tonight with that performance," the Championship veteran said.

“Anything I put it down to can be construed as excuses, but we’ve had lots of games in February and that certainly hasn’t helped. We’ve barely been on the training ground, it’s play, recover, play, recover and we’re second bottom of the league, so confidence doesn’t come easy. That makes life difficult.”

"This is the most disappointing of all of them.”