Rochdale head to Scunthorpe

ROCHDALE goalkeeper Josh Lillis will return to the starting line-up to face his former club, Scunthorpe, at Glanford Park on Boxing Day.

Lillis, sidelined in August with an ankle injury, has played second fiddle to on-loan Leicester stopper Conrad Logan since his return to fitness last month.

But with Logan suffering an Achilles injury that is likely to keep him out of action for the rest of the season, Lillis is poised to kickstart his campaign against the Iron, where he started his career and spent six years.

“Josh more than deserves his opportunity, but it’s a shame it comes as the expense of Conrad Logan because he has been absolutely magnificent for us,” said Dale boss Keith Hill.

Lillis reckons he is more than ready to return, despite first-team appearances being limited to last Saturday’s run out against Notts County when he replaced Logan after just four minutes of the 2-2 draw.

He said: “To my mind, as a goalkeeper, you have got to be switched on as much after 20 seconds as you are after 20 minutes of the game.

“You take it all week that you are going to play and, come Saturday, if you are on the bench, you keep your head and stay ready.

“It was difficult for me being on the sidelines, especially early on, but as you get that little bit older you learn how to handle it better.”

Two days later after the Sucntorpe fixture, Dale are back at home when they entertain Fleetwood.