Five-year-old Joshua McCormack named on Rochdale bench

Rochdale named five-year-old Joshua McCormack on their bench for Wednesday's Checkatrade Trophy clash with Hartlepool.

Joshua, who becomes easily the club's youngest signing, is suffering from a terminal brain tumour and is being cared for in a local hospice.

Sadly he was unable to attend the game at Victoria Park as he is too poorly but manager Keith Hill hung his shirt, with squad number 55 on it, in pride of place in the away dressing room and also put in on the bench, while his name appeared on the team-sheet as well.

Hill, his backroom staff and players will meet Joshua and his family at his hospice on Thursday to present him with his matchday shirt and the team-sheet, as well as a junior Dale shirt signed by the squad.

"It is a real honour to name Joshua McCormack as a substitute for tonight's game," Hill told Rochdale's website.

"He has touched the hearts of everyone at Rochdale Football Club since we met him for the first time back in February.

"No child should have to go through what Joshua is going through and we, as a club and a group of players, will continue to do whatever we can to support him and his family.

"We hope this one small gesture can bring a little bit of light to his family during this difficult time."

Joshua, who is from Rochdale, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and his family were given the devastating news at the end of September that his illness is now terminal.

Since diagnosis, the club has supported the family where possible. In February, the players presented Joshua and his mum with a cheque to help towards a fundraising campaign for treatment, whilst Joshua was a mascot for the day in August.