A MOMENT of magic from teenager Paddy McCourt rescued a point for Rochdale on an afternoon when Shrewsbury's spoiling tactics looked like frustrating Paul Simpson's side.

The Dale boss calmly slotted home the penalty that the youngster's great run had won to earn a 1-1 draw at Gay Meadow.

And, as a winger of the highest quality himself, Simpson knows that he has a real gem on his hands.

"Patrick can be as good as anything I have seen," said the boss. "His ability is second to none, and when he runs at people he is frightening.

"What we are looking for is to get a little bit more from him.

'Awesome'

"In training we restrict him to three touches so that he has to beat someone and then do something. We keep on at him every day and, when the penny drops, he will be amazing and will cause absolute chaos. To see him flow with the ball is awesome."

Simpson himself admits that he himself is not getting any younger, and that "the steps up to the Press Box after the game seem to be getting higher."

But, despite his aching bones, he isn't going to do a Vieira and give himself a rest.

At 36, `Simmo' is still a key part of the side and, with six goals, is joint top scorer in the division.

He said: "I am not going to complain about all the games. All I can do is keep plugging away and at least it means that, when I go to bed, I have no problems going sleep!"

How far can McCourt go? Have your say

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