JIM Gannon knows former loan striker Glenn Murray could come back to haunt Stockport County when they lock horns with Rochdale.

The Stockport boss was impressed with the Carlisle United hitman while he was on loan at Edgeley Park.

But County failed to renew the deal to keep Murray, who scored three goals in 11 appearances, and the 23-year-old was snapped up by Dale.

And having seen Murray's goalscoring talents, Gannon is well aware that his former employee is a real threat to Stockport's four-game League Two unbeaten run.

"Glenn did really well while he was here at a time when we didn't have players fit or in form," said Gannon.

"It was important to have him when Tes Bramble was injured and we were working on Adam Proudlock's fitness.

"We know what he's capable of but there are other players that we have to be worried about as well."

Tests

And Gannon is concerned that last week's 7-1 drubbing by Lincoln means Rochdale will be on their toes to make up for the defeat.

County defender Adam Griffin is ruled after damaging tendons in his left ankle in training on Monday while former Manchester United winger David Poole (hamstring) and Rob Clare (knee) both face late fitness tests.

Adam Proudlock (knee) is also unlikely to play after picking up a bad knock in County's 1-0 win over Torquay.

Dale boss Steve Parkin has a fully fit squad to choose from and, although County did the double over them last season, he is confident his side can put last week's nightmare behind them.

He said: "There is an excellent spirit within the dressing room and we have all worked extremely hard this week to get the Lincoln game out of our system."

Fit again defenders Mark Jackson and Gary Brown are both back in contention for a starting place with the only possible doubt surrounding on-loan striker Keith Barker who picked up a knock in the dying minutes last weekend.

Last season: Rochdale 0 Stockport 1

Key opponent: Glenn Murray - Could return to haunt County

Prediction: Dale 1 Stockport 1

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You can get 11/2 on a 1-1 draw with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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