Manager Keith Hill believes Academy graduate Matty Gillam, who signed his first professional contract in the summer, is “growing” in the first team environment.
The young forward came on as a second half substitute on Tuesday night when Dale faced Blackburn Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy at the Crown Oil Arena, and netted a penalty in the shoot-out.
Speaking after the game, Hill commented: “Gilly has got a chance because he works hard and he just gets on with his game. He’s going to be quietly successful because he’s growing in our environment.
“He knows the laws in which we work – he doesn’t question them or take liberties, and that’s what’s fresh and exciting about him.
“He’s going to give himself a great chance of playing this season.”