Nyal Bell has been recalled from his loan spell at Chester FC.
The forward had been on loan at the National League side since the end of January, but has continued to train with Rochdale on selected days during the week.
He made three substitute appearances for the Blues, as well as featuring in their Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Warrington Town.
Speaking on Friday morning before the confirmation of Bell’s recall, Hill told Dale Player HD: “I’m quietly pleased with Nyal.
“He’s got more independence. He has learned to drive, he has got himself a nice little car and now he’s no longer reliant on anybody to bring him to training, or to take him to the train station.
“He has become self-reliant and in that we have seen a better trainer. I believe has got a lot of superb ingredients that could give him an opportunity.
“I’m glad he has gone to Chester and has fitted in well there. There’s an appreciation from the players at Chester for the type of opponent that he is and the type of team-mate that he has become for them.
“I hope it’s a sign of things to come because I believe he has got a strong future at this football club. And for somebody with so much physical dynamic power he should be setting the football world alight.
“The independence has given him a new lease of life and I’m really pleased about that.
"I’ve been monitoring the situation and we’re in a situation where we can recall him within a 24-hour period. That was something I was mindful of when he re-signed for Chester.”