Manager Keith Hill has told Dale PlayerHD that Niall Canavan is a player that he has had his eye on for some time.
The defender joined Rochdale on an emergency loan on Monday afternoon and went straight into the squad for Tuesday night’s League One fixture against Crewe Alexandra.
When asked after the match what Canavan will bring to the squad, Hill commented: “Have you seen the size of him? He looks to me like Mark Monington did when he lined up alongside me.
“I think it’s an excellent signing. He’s a player I’ve wanted to sign for quite a while and it gives me real competition for places.
“It [Niall’s arrival] pricks everybody with respect to maybe showing a bit more desire to keep your place in the side.”