Manager Keith Hill believes Dale’s latest recruits will “lift” the rest of the squad.
This January has seen the arrival of Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Ethan Hamilton and Rory Holden, who have all made an instant impact on the pitch.
“Ethan Hamilton, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Rory Holden will lift the other players. They are young, quality players,” said Hill.
“I also believe that Stephen Dooley will get better and quicker when get gets up to speed. We’re one or two players light in key positions that I and the club need to improve on, and hopefully if we get another couple of signings in, it will give us a real opportunity.”
Hamilton was particularly impressive against Peterborough United at the weekend, rounding off his performance with a stunning goal to half the deficit.
“I thought Ethan [Hamilton] was superb. That’s quite a high bar that he has performed, so let’s make sure that protect him and encourage him to improve, because his attitude and characteristics are superb.
“He’s got great energy on the pitch and he’s a driver. When they scored their second goal, he went and picked the ball out of the back of the net - the game wasn’t over and there’s always something to be salvaged from a losing situation, as long as you don’t give in. I didn’t see us give up and that gives me a lot of encouragement going into the final 18 games of the season.”