Dale defender called up for international duty

Rory McArdle with Rochdale manager Keith Hill

Defender Rory McArdle has been called up to represent the Northern Ireland Under 21 side. The game is a friendly on 26 March against Romania and is being played at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

As a result of his call up McArdle was going to miss Dale's crunch Easter Monday game at home to Rotherham United but after calls from the club officials, Northern Ireland Under 21 Coach Roy Millar is allowing McArdle to join up with the rest of his compatriates 12 hours later than scheduled.

McArdle, who is not 21 until 1 May, is, according to the Northern Ireland FA website, set to make his 18th appearance for the Under 21's.