ROCHDALE have signed Welsh international Mark Jones on a one-year contract, with the option of extending the deal.

The former Wrexham player, who was a free agent, has been training with Dale after being released by the Welsh club earlier this year.

The 24-year-old is unlikely to feature in this afternoon’s match against Barnet as he needs international clearance.

The midfielder has an eye for goal, a quality which has been in short supply during the last seven days, Keith Hill’s men having failed to find the net against Grimsby Town and Oldham Athletic.

The Dale boss, though, is happy with his side’s form going into today’s game, after an excellent performance against Oldham in the Carling Cup at Spotland on Tuesday when, despite dominating for long periods, Dale lost out on penalties 4-1.

Hill said: "It was a very positive performance. Oldham are a very good side and there are a lot of goals in their team, but we withstood the pressure when they were in the ascendancy early on.

"It was a hard fought contest and we showed we could match them, be it with 10 or 11 men.

"There is definitely no need to panic because we are creating the opportunities which is the most important thing. Every striker in the world will go through spells when they can’t score but they will always get back to scoring ways.

"The clean sheets we have been keeping are very encouraging, and if we can combine them with taking our chances it will take us up near the top of the table which is where we want to be."

Barnet have been struggling defensively and Hill believes this could be a key factor, adding: "I think it will be a cagey affair, as Barnet have conceded seven goals in their last two games and they will come here with a lot of pressure on their defence.

"They are a very good side, and both teams have quality players available, but I think it will be a game of patience."

Rochdale youngsters Will Buckley and Raphale Evans are recovering from slight muscle injuries and look set to miss out.