IT'S one in and one out at Rossendale as they look to get back among the early pacesetters in the UniBond First Division.

Dale boss Jim McCluskie has snapped up striker Troy Hayder, a former Leigh RMI striker who has been playing at Droylsden, and who should make his debut at Belper tomorrow.

And Mike Smith has been released from Dark Lane. The former Ramsbottom defender came to Dale in controversial circumstances earlier this season after Dale were judged to have made an 'illegal approach' for the Rams defender.

"Things just haven't worked out for Mike. He has been hampered by injury and it has not really happened," said McCluskie.

"But Troy is a good player who has played in the Conference and only left Leigh because of their financial constraints. I went for him then but he decided to go to Droylsden in the UniBond Premier League and it hasn't worked out for him there.

"We are glad to have him. The strikers at the club at the moment are very similar and he is more physical, he is quite a big lad."

It is a new look Dale in recent weeks as they recover from a scourge of injuries which has seen them slip down the table.

Goalkeeper Mark Andrews - 'one of the best in the league'- came back for the 2-0 midweek win over Chorley as did Jerome Fitzgerald (hand injury).

They have also added former Burnley defender Chris Scott to the squad - another from Leigh - and he impressed in his debut against Chorley.

"I liked the look of him. It's a little bit different from the football he has been playing but he adapted well," said the Dale chief.

Meanwhile the introduction of Scott has meant former Wigan player Colin Greenall, who was only at Dale on a 'helping out' basis following his departure from the coaching staff at the JJB, has left.

And Brendan O'Connell, who came with Greenall, has been struggling with a knee injury.