RICKIE Lambert has set his sights on a top-half finish with struggling Rochdale.

Dale are just four points above the drop zone but Lambert said: "We could still finish in the top half of the table because it's so tight. It would be great to finish like that ahead of next season.

"We don't want to end the season on a low. We can still finish ninth or 10th, which is unbelievable considering where we are now."

Lambert is already turning his thoughts to next season and is intent on topping his current tally of 20 goals.

"The gaffer said I was going to play up front at the start the season," said the 24-year-old, who was previously deployed in central midfield.

"He pushed me up front at the end of last season and I enjoyed it.

"I wasn't expecting to get 20 goals this year but I wanted to score a few. Hopefully, I can score even more next season and help the team do better."

Strike partner Chris Dagnall, who scored on Tuesday, should retain his place up front despite the return of Iyseden Christie from a neck injury.

Last season: Rochdale 0 Rovers 0

Key opponent: Junior Agogo - Ghanaian striker has knocked the goals in consistently for Rovers this season

Prediction: Dale 1 Rovers 1

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You can get 10/1 on Dale winning 2-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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