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Rochdale manager Keith Hill impressed with new signing Craig Lynch as he looks ahead to promotion push

Rochdale manager Keith Hill has heaped praise on new signing Craig Lynch ahead Saturday’s trip to Exeter City.

The former Sunderland striker signed on non-contract terms on Tuesday following a successful trial period and could make his debut in Devon this weekend.

Lynch, 21, struggled to make an impression for the Black Cats, managing just two first-team appearances in the 2010-11 season, and was released by the club last month.

Lynch has certainly made an impression on his new boss, who had time to wax lyrical about the forward before the long journey down to Exeter

“He (Lynch) has got unbelievable vision and awareness, which I have already witnessed,” Hill told The Dale Player. “He understands the game, which is really important to me.

“I’m not trying to turn an athlete into a football player with him. I’ve got a footballing brain there and intelligence and understanding of the game.

“He’s a player I feel could play in any position because he understands the game but we’ve taken him as a number nine or number ten, a striker.”

Scott Hogan is another 21-year-old Rochdale striker who’s been impressing recently,  and was the subject of six-figure bid from Peterborough United last month.

It appears Hoga is now on the radar of Premier League clubs too.

West Bromwich Albion sent chief scout Stuart White to Dale’s 1-1 draw with Burton Albion at Spotland where Hogan, who has netted 15 times so far this season, failed to find the net.

Although Hogan’s future beyond this season may be unclear, for the time being he will be aiming to fire Rochdale to promotion as the business end of this campaign approaches.

Dale currently lie fourth in League Two, outside the automatic promotion places on goal difference and will be hoping to be break into the top three with a victory over Exeter.

Image courtesy of TheSafcVideos, via YouTube, with thanks.

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