Dale keeper out for season

Sam Russell

Rochdale AFC manager Keith Hill has revealed that goalkeeper Sam Russell needs an operation on his damaged finger and is therefore unlikely to play any further part in this season.

Hill said: "We have got a real problem now because Sam's injury will keep him out for the season. His finger hasn't healed and it isn't going to do so without the operation. From my point of view it is catastrophic because I really wanted the competition between James Spencer and Sam to see us through. We are not going to get that now so we have to switch our intentions to getting another number one keeper candidate to give that competive edge with 'Spence'.

"We are looking at shape-shifting the squad and are looking at players coming in and possibly some going out. It is vital that we make sure that we have a squad that will see us through the next eleven games as well as, potentially, three others as well."

One piece of good news from Hill is that striker Chris Dagnall is making progress as he recovers from his cruciate knee operation.

Hill said: "We have been really encouraged. Chris has trained with us this week and looks fit, mean and ready to go. He isn't ready to play yet but everytime I see him I think to myself 'can I make him a substitute?' At this moment it is not viable but it will be viable soon and I am really looking to that situation arising."