Rochdale lock horns with League One title favourites Southampton on Saturday buoyed by the news that Craig Dawson will remain at Spotland for the rest of the season.

Keith Hill has likened Saturday’s game at Southampton to last week’s Carling Cup clash at Birmingham.

Pleased though Chris Dunphy was with Tuesday’s deadline day dealings, his main source of contentment was keeping Craig Dawson happy.

Rochdale exited their second cup competition in the space of six days as Port Vale ran out worthy winners in their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round clash.