ROCHDALE have extended the loan spell of striker Louis Dodds until the end of April.

The news will boost Dale ahead of the tough trip to Stockport, where they will have to do without Rory McArdle.

He is in the Northern Ireland U-21s squad for their friendly against Romania.

Meanwhile, Adam Le Fondre won't allow new friendships to blunt his predatory instincts when Rochdale visit Edgeley Park.

The Stockport County striker only returned last week after a successful loan spell at Spotland, scoring four goals in seven games.

And he marked his first game back for County by converting a penalty in the 3-3 draw with Hartlepool last Saturday.

"I had a very good time at Rochdale, scoring a few goals and getting my match fitness back," said Le Fondre.

"The main thing for me was playing football. The season started really well for me at Stockport, but after an injury I was struggling for fitness and that's why I went out on loan.

"Rochdale are going to be difficult to play against. They haven't lost in their last eight games, which is a very good run.

Buzz

"When I went there, there was a real buzz within the team with everyone working for each other. We went out and battered MK Dons who are in the play-off places."

Le Fondre also enjoyed the contrasting styles of Stockport boss Jim Gannon and Rochdale's Keith Hill.

"The two managers are similar in that they do their homework about the opposition, but they have their own ways of doing things," he added,

"Jim Gannon is very thorough about the way he prepares for games while Keith Hill has a more aggressive way of telling you to go out and batter the opposition. They're both good to work for in their own way.

"But I feel like my long-term future is at Stockport. It's a good time to be back, there's still a good chance of getting promotion automatically while the play-offs look nailed on."

Gannon will wait on the fitness of Tes Bramble (thigh), Adam Proudlock (ankle) and Rob Clare (foot injury) before kick-off.

He said: "Rochdale are a spirited side and they've done well under Keith Hill. Alfie going there gave them a bit of an injection and he obviously made some mates there, but he's a Stockport lad and he'll give 100 per cent."

County have brought in Norwich goalkeeper Joe Lewis on loan as Wayne Hennessey is due back at Wolves in a fortnight.

Meanwhile another loan player, midfielder Dominic Blizzard, is on the move after his club Watford accepted an offer from MK Dons.

Last season: County 3 Dale 0

Key opponent: Adam Le Fondre - Striker will be keen to put one over his former loan club

Prediction: County 2 Dale 1 - Dale are playing well at the moment but County's promotion push and home advantage makes them favourites

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 10/1 on Dale winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

Tweet