Jack O’Connell joins Dale on loan from Blackburn Rovers

Highly rated Blackburn Rovers youngster Jack O’Connell has completed a loan move to Spotland from the Championship club.

The 19-year-old defender has joined Rochdale on a youth loan until 5 January.

O’Connell, who captained the England Under-19s during their recent European U19 Elite Round qualifiers, enjoyed loan spells at Rotherham United and York City last season.

He also featured for Rovers against Dale in Saturday’s friendly at Spotland, coming on as a second half substitute.

Manager Keith Hill is pleased to have the 19-year-old on board.

He told the club website: “Jack is a player that I have been keeping my eye on for some time and he brings a good balance to the squad.

“He’s a strong left footed defender who can play either in the centre of defence or at left back and for me he’s a quality signing. Like every player in this squad, a place in the starting eleven isn’t guaranteed and he is coming here to be competitive and to earn that.

"He’s 19 but the age makes no difference to me; I’m looking for ability and he’s got that. He was excellent on loan for York last season and he has got what it takes to be a future star.”

O'Connell has been handed squad number 22.