Hill gets busy in loan market

Rochdale AFC have signed former Stockport County striker Liam Dickinson on loan from Championship side Barnsley until the end of the season.

Dickinson, 25, scored the winning goal against Rochdale in the League Two play-off final in 2008 which the Hatters won 3-2.

Keith Hill has taken on the Tykes striker after he failed to break into the side since signing from Brighton and Hove Albion in June, having spent a month on loan at League One strugglers Walsall.

Dickinson started his professional career at Stockport before joining Derby, which was followed by loan moves to Huddersfield, Blackpool and Leeds, before a permanent switch to Brighton in 2009.

Hill also looks set to sign Hull City winger Will Atkinson on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old, who spent a loan spell at Spotland last season, was due for a medical at Hull yesterday to check a hamstring strain before signing.

Atkinson was on loan at League Two Rotherham United until Tuesday but turned down an offer to extend the deal.

The winger could travel with the Dale squad for the clash with Dagenham and Redbridge tomorrow, but is unlikely to play.

Scunthorpe goalkeeper Josh Lillis has extended his loan spell at Dale until 6 February on a one month emergency deal.

Lillis, 23, has made 24 appearances for Hill’s side this season after joining from Glanford Park.

Championship side Scunthorpe, who signed the keeper on a four-year deal last season, have a 24-hour recall option on the player should they require him to return.