Niall Canavan has told Dale PlayerHD that it was pleasing to go straight into the squad for Tuesday night’s League One fixture against Crewe Alexandra at Spotland.
The 24-year-old defender joined Rochdale on loan on Monday afternoon and was named on the bench for the match.
He said: “It was a bit of a surprise to be on the bench but I was glad to be involved and to get a taste of the routines here. It was a good experience.”
He continued: “I’m pleased to be here. It’s nice to have a manager who wants you to come and play for him. I’m looking to play football because that's what I haven’t been doing. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting out there and playing well for Rochdale.”
And Canavan says familiar faces have helped him settle in quickly.
“There a few ex-Scunny connections. I travelled in with Dave [Syers] at Scunthorpe so he’s a familiar face and I’ve known Josh [Lillis] since I was 14 so there are a couple of boys that I’ve known for a long time. That definitely helps you find your feet a bit quicker.
“Dave’s notoriously bad for wanting people in the car school to save him a few quid so it was the first thing he was on to me about [when I joined Rochdale]," laughed Canavan.
“I’ve been coming in with [him and Peter Vincenti]. And while we’re travelling to Manchester we’re meeting Josh on the way as well, so even in the mornings there are familiar faces.”
The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.