17-year-old Dan Adshead says it was a very proud moment to be given the Captain’s armband in Dale’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Leicester City Under-21s.
“I was very proud,” said Adshead.
“It was a total shock, to be honest. I put my bag down when I got in the changing room and the armband was there!
“It was a very proud moment for me and my family as well. Players like Ian Henderson and Callum Camps have worn it, as well as many great players, so it’s a big honour.”
Adshead was substituted in the first-half of Dale’s previous Checkatrade Trophy game at Fleetwood Town after he was on the receiving end of a challenge that kept him out for the best part of a month.
“I still don’t feel 100%. I learnt a lot and could have been a lot better, but I’ll get there. I got a good 90 minutes today and I know I can play better than I did tonight.
“The manager put his faith in me to get 90 minutes under my belt and I’ve done that. I’m just trying to get my way back to 100%.
“We’ve got the FA Youth Cup on Monday so hopefully I can get another 90 minutes in that. I was gutted to miss out in the first round.”
Five Youth Team players started the game against Leicester City, with a further four on the bench, something Adshead thinks will benefit the Youth Team in their FA Youth Cup second tie at home to MK Dons on Monday night.
“There might not be that many there on Monday, but they got a taste of it and the demands that the manager has in games like these, and hopefully they can take that into Monday.
“It’s a massive game for the Youth Team, but the lads got it done [against Doncaster Rovers] so I’m looking forward to the next round.”
The midfielder has started all three games in the competition so far, as Dale finished top of Northern Group B.
“We lost on penalties tonight which is never good, but at the end of the day we’ve won the group and we’re looking forward to the next round.
“Wembley is the aim. The manager said that last year but unfortunately, we didn’t get there. We wouldn’t take it so seriously if Wembley wasn’t the aim and it would be a great experience again.”
The Dale Academy product made three appearances in last season’s FA Cup, including at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur, and he is excited for this year’s campaign.
“It’s a special competition. To watch it as a young boy and then get the opportunity to play in it now.
“I’m just grateful really and humbled by the fact that I’ve played in it already, so hopefully I can make many more appearances in it.”
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