ROSSENDALE UNITED have released the former Leigh RMI striker Troy Hayder.

Dale manager Jim McCluksie accused the young forward of not working hard enough and has signed a loan replacement in the Vauxhall Motors striker John Stanhope.

"I have had a good look at Troy and I don't think he's going to do it for us," said McCluskie.

"He's had a good run and he has done alright but he wasn't really what I was looking for.

"His talent is undoubted but he didn't work hard enough and didn't adapt to the way we play."

Hayder scored two in seven games, once on his debut in the 3-2 win at Belper Town and once in the 2-1 defeat at Ossett Town.

McCluskie has signed Stanhope from the UniBond Premier side on a month's loan.

The 22-year-old former Stalybridge striker has the ability to provide the spark that will secure the side a play-off place - or even automatic promotion - reckons the Dale boss.

"He's a very busy player, he works hard and holds the ball up well," said McCluskie

"I'm looking forward to seeing him play and I hope it sparks everyone else as well.

"The lads up front for Vauxhall are playing so well John can't get in the team and the manager Alvin McDonald has allowed us to bring him here. He will give us another dimension that we haven't had this season, someone who can bring the other players into the game.

"Obviously if Vauxhall get injuries he'll have to go back there but I am hoping he will come here and enjoy it and do well.

"It could be the boost we need.

"We've got some tough games coming up and if we are going to hang in there we need to pick up results."

McCluskie received a massive boost last weekend when striker David Gray made his comeback from a long-term injury.

"Hopefully Dave can come back in and score goals alongside this new lad and Craig (Sargeson).

"We have to start finding the back of the net, especially at home.

"We had plenty of chances last week against Eastwood Town and if we'd put our chances away we could have been three or four up but as it was they pegged us back to 1-1."

Dale play Belper Town at home tomorrow in the UniBond first division hoping to pull in a few Burnley fans with an afternoon off due to their side's involvement in the FA Cup at Cheltenham on Sunday.