Russell praised by Rochdale boss

Russell joined the club initially on non-contract terms last season

Rochdale boss Keith Hill has hailed goalkeeper Sam Russell as one of the finest passers in the Football League.

The 25-year-old's distribution was one of the key aspects to Dale's 3-1 win over Barnet last weekend.

Hill told BBC Radio Manchester his goalkeeper was a key reason for his side's unbeaten start to the season.

"He's a bit flamboyant but that's one of the reasons I recruited him. He's probably one of the best passers in the Football League."

He added: "He passes it rather than punting it up. He's a very good football player and very good technically. He wants to perform at a high level and shouldn't be discouraged from that."