O'Grady cleared for cup tie

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Chris O'Grady (right) has been given permission to play for Rochdale in the FA Cup.

Chris Dagnall and Chris O'Grady are set to continue their prolific partnership at Luton in the first round of the FA Cup tomorrow after Oldham gave last minute permission for loan man O'Grady to play for Rochdale in the cup.

Assuming O'Grady, a two goal hero in the 4-0 win at Bournemouth last week, does start then he would be cup tied and unable to play for his parent club in future rounds. That would suggest that he is not part of Dave Penney's long term plans at Oldham and that there is a strong chance that he will make his move to Spotland permanent in January.

The rangy striker has been at the heart of Dale's march towards the top of the League Two table since he arrived on loan from Oldham in late August. He has struck five goals since making his debut at Rotherham and his vision and ability to hold up possession have created numerous goals and chances for others, not least Dagnall, who has hit six goals while playing alongside O'Grady.

O'Grady's inclusion for tomorrow's trip south solves one of the selection problems for Keith Hill, who will have to make at least four changes to the side that won at Bournemouth with the loan spell of goalkeeper Josh Lillis coming to an end, Nathan Stanton suspended, and Dale Stevens and Simon Whaley not being allowed to play by their parent clubs Oldham and Norwich respectively.