Shaw out for another fortnight

Jon Shaw

Rochdale striker Jon Shaw was hoping to play a part in the game against Chesterfield tomorrow (Saturday 20 September, 3pm kick off) but he has suffered a set-back in his recovery from a hamstring injury that has already kept him out of action for three weeks.

The hamstring strain has not responded to treatment so Shaw faces a further two and a half weeks on the sidelines to ensure that he makes a full recovery.

Shaw has started just three games since he joined from Halifax in the summer, scoring one goal in the 3-1 victory over Barnet, Dale's only win of the season so far.

Dale go into the game against Chesterfield with only three strikers available after Lee Thorpe was sent off last week against Rotherham and is suspended for three games. Adam Le Fondre and Jordan Rhodes are set to continue up front, with Chris Dagnall on the bench.

Kallum Higginbotham is expected to fill the place in the dugout vacated by Thorpe after impressing in the reserves' midweek game at Barnsley. Higginbotham has struggled to make an impact in the first team so far this season with the emergence of Will Buckley on the right wing.

Meanwhile Dale fans could get their first glimpse of Mark Jones, who signed on a free transfer last month and has been working his way towards full fitness. He was an unused substitute last weekend but could be given a run out from the bench tomorrow following another impressive performance with the reserves.