Manager Keith Hill believes that new signing Nathaniel Mendez-Laing can do well for Dale once he is fully fit.
The winger joined the club on Thursday, penning a one-year-deal.
Speaking to Dale PlayerHD, Hill commented: “I think he’s a player that can do well for us. I think he’s one of those players that we can revive and show a different way.
“I think if we show him our way and he responds then there’s definitely a top class operator, who can play out wide and who can play inside. He can create space with good movement.
“I personally don’t think he has ever been fit enough to maintain and showcase his ability for 90 minutes. He has been an impact player and now we’ve got to turn him into a 90 minute player.
“As long as he’s on side, he can do it. We see so many who want to do it, have shown they can do it and then maintained it. Donal McDermott is a shining example. Even if we look back to Scott Hogan and Will Buckley, then there are players here that we’ve done it to and I think he can be one of those player.
“I personally think he could be a player that really shines for us once his thought process becomes clear. It can only become clear if he’s 100-percent fit. You can see clarity when you’re tired and that’s what we’re looking for from Nathaniel. That’s also what we look for in all the players.
“I’m really pleased to have recruited him. He’s exciting, he’s got genuine pace and for me as a defender, I don’t want to play against genuine pace for 90 minutes. I don’t mind playing against genuine pace for 20 minutes out of a 90 minute game and then looking at the player who is tired and has got his hands on his legs. We’ve got to get to that situation where he’s really taxing a defender and I think we will do.”
The full interview is available to view on DalePlayerHD.