Dale manager Keith Hill has given the youngster a six-month extension to his contract to enable Matt to prove his worth to the side and the young 'keeper is keen to show what he can do.

"I'm very pleased to have been offered a new contract and it's just nice to get another chance. I'd like to thank Keith and the club for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do," said Matt.

19-year-old Edwards found Dale's promotion winning season packed with set-backs after a broken wrist halted the youngster's development.The recovery process was slow and even when Keith Hill was down to the barest of bones after first choice stopper Kenny Arthur picked up a back injury, Edwards was still being treated for his injury.

Matt missed out on the opportunity to play in a televised FA Cup replay and the remainder of the season saw Dale draft in loan players to take up the position between the sticks.The form of Man Utd. loanee Tom Heaton and then Blackburn's Frank Fielding left Kenny Arthur on the bench following his recovery and Edwards further down the pecking order.

"Last season was very frustrating for me due to the injury.In just a few months I went from elation at signing a deal to becoming a sidelined casualty and that was tough to take.

"I would have had the opportunity last season to play too after Kenny picked up his injury and to miss out only added to the frustration. Tom and Frankie came in and they were superb for us and even though I was fit I knew I wasn't about to get a game with Kenny also recovered. I suppose from that point on it was about keeping focussed, training hard and see what comes along - there's not much more you can do, but it's behind me now and I'll look forward to the coming season.

"I have six months to prove my worth and I will be aiming to extend my stay at Spotland. I'm looking to get my hands on the number one spot or otherwise there would be no point being here and I cannot wait."