Roberts in as Yeboah heads back to City

ROCHDALE moved quickly to replace Yeboah Amankwah this week with Haydon Roberts joining the club from Brighton on a seasonlong loan.

Manchester City youngster Amankwah was recalled by his parent club to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained in the

Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season.

It left Brian BarryMurphy short of central defensive options but the manager moved swiftly for Roberts. He had hoped to get the 18-year-old in ahead of last weekend’s clash against Hull and the paperwork was completed on Friday. However, both clubs had been waiting for official clearance and it was finally granted in time for Roberts to feature in Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Burton.

After joining the Seagulls in 2015, Roberts has worked his way up through his hometown Club’s Academy ranks.

Highly regarded at the Amex Stadium, the 18-year-old has featured for Brighton’s first team this season, playing in two of their Carabao Cup games, against Portsmouth and Preston North End, in round two and three, respectively, as well as being named on the bench for their fourth round tie against Manchester United.

He has been capped 20 times by England at U17 and U18 youth level.

“It was easy for me to come here and I’m happy to be here,” he said.

“I had interest from a few clubs in the league but Rochdale were the team who were the most interested in me.

“To be given the opportunity to come here and play with a manager who likes to play young players and trusts them suits me. That’s what I need to do improve.

“Where I am in my career, I need to get out and play games, so it was an appealing move for me.

“The style of play also suits me. Hopefully I can help the team do well this season.”