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Hill on the button as Spurs star signs

28/ 3/2008

ROCHDALE’S push for a play-off spot, which continues at Brentford this weekend, was given a timely boost with the addition of two players from top Premiership clubs.

Manager Keith Hill beat Thursday’s 5pm cut-off point for loan transfers to bring in Wigan Athletic midfielder Lewis Montrose, 19, and Tottenham Hotspur’s England under 19s goalkeeper David Button.

The Rochdale boss now feels he has a squad which can take that final step to claim a top-seven finish and said: "I think we have a tremendous squad now to make an impact on the rest of the season.

"The two lads we have brought in are young quality players, and they add to the quality already here.

"I know Lewis Montrose personally. I did try to sign him as an apprentice but he chose Wigan Athletic instead. He has a bright future in the game.

"The goalkeeper David Button also has a lot to look forward to. He already represents the country at under 19s. He comes highly recommended and we are very privileged to get the services of both players."

Hill will also face the difficult dilemma of whether or not to play Monday’s hat-trick hero Chris Dagnall from the start.

The striker came off the bench after a nine-month lay-off due to a serious knee injury, and banged in three superb goals to seal a 4-1 win over Rotherham United.

Hill said: "He’s still hungry to play. He wants to start, but we have to be careful and use him when we feel it’s best. It’s a great stimulus for the rest of the lads and the strikers.

"He’s a great player to have in the squad. There is a fear factor when the opposition see people like Chris Dagnall on the teamsheet."

Striker Lee Thorpe is also available to play against his former club, as Hill explained: "He got severance pay and a mutually agreed cancellation of his contract at Brentford, so they can’t hold any ties to Thorpe’s availability to play for us."

Rochdale’s chief executive Colin Garlick this week dispelled rumours about keeper Tommy Lee, who is on loan from Macclesfield.

A story circulated that Lee had been recalled by Macclesfield, but Garlick said: "With the injuries to keepers James Spencer and Sam Russell we are now left with only Tommy.

"He is with us for 28 days, but the loan does have a recall clause in it."

DALE’S teenage goalkeeper Lloyd Rigby has left the club by mutual consent. His chances have been limited this season following the arrivals of James Spencer and Sam Russell, and more recently Tommy Lee. Rigby was loaned out to Vauxhall Motors earlier in the season.