Calvin Andrew has told iFollow that he was pleased to get 80 minutes “in the tank” on Saturday against AFC Wimbledon.
It was Andrew’s first start for Dale since after missing almost six weeks through injury.
He said: “It has been a difficult few weeks for me with an injury that has been going away and then coming back again, and there has been an uncertainty as to whether or not I needed to have an operation, but full credit to the physios and everyone at the club who have helped me through it and get it right.
“I was really pleased to be out there today and get that match fitness in me again, and hopefully I’ll be able to give 90 minutes soon and help the boys. I was out there for 80 minutes before I got cramp in both of my calves and those who've had it will know it’s not easy to play with, but today will help me tremendously – to get that [amount of minutes] in the tank is very pleasing.”
Saturday’s goalless draw means Dale have lost just once in their last six games in all competitions, and have now kept four consecutive clean sheets.
“This [the Cherry Red Records Stadium] is not an easy place to come to, and away from home it’s always good to get a point as a minimum, so it’s a positive.
“It’s also a positive not to lose games, that’s the key. Keeping a clean sheet is also very positive for the whole team defensively and now it’s about getting the balance right.
“If you don’t concede goals, then you can’t lose games, so we’ve got the one half of it right at the moment and we just need to get the other part correct in the next game.”
Watch the full interview on iFollow.