STEVE Parkin could get an early Christmas present this week when a new face is expected to arrive at Spotland.

The Dale boss has indicated since his side's FA Cup win at Stevenage 10 days ago he will be able to strengthen his squad before the busy Christmas schedule.

But the identity of the fresh face remains under wraps.

Bury striker Dave Nugent and Walsall forward Gary Birch were rumoured to be on the Parkin wish list, but the Dale manager's targets are believed to lie elsewhere.

Any addition would be welcome before Saturday's visit of one of the pre-season promotion favourites Bristol Rovers. Ian Atkins' side has yet to convince this season, but after Dale's defeat at Kidderminster a home win is crucial to prevent a negative reaction to the shock slip-up at Aggborough on Saturday.

Ian Foster's dubious penalty - given for handball against full-back Wayne Evans - won the match for struggling Kidderminster Harriers and the visitors looked well off the pace after a five-match victorious run in the league.

Parkin was upset about the penalty decision from referee Paul Danson, but admitted his side didn't perform to their usual high standards.

He said: "I'm disappointed with the penalty decision. I would like to see it on the video, but my initial reaction is it was a strange decision.

"In general I'm not happy with the performance. You're not going to win every game and I think some people got carried away with our run."

Parkin will be without suspended stars Gareth Griffiths and Ernie Cooksey against the Pirates. But Gary Jones and Daryl Burgess should be fit to slot into the side.

And then, of course, there's the mystery new face.

Tweet