Sport

‘We always fancy ourselves’: Rochdale defender Michael Rose says side confident of beating AFC Wimbledon

By Josh Nicholls

Michael Rose says confidence is high at Rochdale ahead of the visit of AFC Wimbledon to Spotland despite last week’s defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge.

Uncharacteristic errors gifted Dagenham a victory which saw Dale slip to second in League Two on goal difference.

But Rose insists Dale are over the set-back and always believe victory is achievable, whoever the opponent.  

“We always fancy ourselves to win and we’ve got enough quality in the squad to go and do that,” Rose said before training on Friday.

However the defender also warned his side against complacency ahead the arrival of a Wimbledon side who haven’t won since September.

“I don’t think you can underestimate anyone these days, I think you’ve just got to go into each game and concentrate on your own tactics and your own game plan,” he said.

“I am sure they (Wimbledon) have got some good players but our front four have been really good no matter who it’s been, so hopefully they can get the goals and us defenders can stop the sloppy goals.”

The left-back has been a consistent performer Dale left-back this season and received praise for his personality as well as his performances from Keith Hill lately.

Hill recently said Rose was someone he would happily befriend and go for a drink with away from football.

Asked if this was a mutual feeling Rose replied: “I’d better say yes.”

“I like the gaffer and I said in the summer that if it wasn’t for the gaffer I don’t think I’d have been here. I like the way he works and we get along alright so maybe he can buy the drinks.”

The 31-year-old also paid tribute to forward Ian Henderson who has been inspired form of late scoring three goals in three games.

“Hendo’s been brilliant lately he’s always up and down the pitch and he’s one of the fittest guys I’ve ever met,” Rose added.

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