ALAN Buckley is set to stick with the starting XI which did him proud at Bury when Dale take on Boston at Spotland this afternoon.

That means Kevin Townson, whose late goal sank the Shakers, will warm the bench for the 11th time this season as loan striker Andy Bishop continues alongside Paul Connor.

Buckley admits Townson did his case no harm with a classic poacher’s goal and energetic 20-minute burst, but is loath to tamper with a pairing that ran Bury ragged for 45 minutes.

“Bishop and Connor did well last weekend and have worked well together in training this week,” he said, “so I think it will be a similar side to the one at Bury. But Kevin hasn’t done himself any harm with his goal.”

Apart from suspended duo Sean McClare - who returns for the Boxing Day trip to Mansfield - and Lee McEvilly, the Rochdale manager has a clean bill of health, somewhat of a rarity this season.

He said: “It’s been one thing after another so far. We’re still affected by suspension, but that is our own fault. Obviously you have a better chance when everyone’s fit and available, but that isn’t always the case and you just have to make do.”

Buckley admitted Chris Beech’s fitness still worried him. The experienced midfielder put in a solid display at Bury, but is prone to picking up knocks that can break up a run in the first team.

“Chris had a bad ankle injury in his time at Huddersfield and he’s never really got going again since then,” said the manager. “He’s naturally a fit lad in terms of running, but he just seems to pick up injuries.

“Often it’s a case of lads trying too hard to compensate for knocks they’ve got or are getting over, leaving them open for other problems,” Buckley added. “You have your heart in you mouth at times in training with him.”

THE PROSPECT of a loan spell at Spotland is failing to attract new blood to the Dale squad.

Alan Buckley explained: “I’ve approached one or two people this week about loan signings, but it’s the same old answer I’m afraid.”

As reported in Wednesday’s Observer, Leo Bertos will miss most of January on international duty and Lee Duffy has joined Rossendale on loan.

This leaves a gap on the right of midfield, although Duffy can be recalled from his spell at Dark Lane.

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