Rochdale boss Keith Hill has backed rookie striker Joe Thompson to shine next season as his side bid to make it third time lucky in the race for promotion.

The Spotland outfit have failed in the play-offs in the past two seasons but Hill has assembled a talented young side who are again tipped to feature prominently this term. Thompson, 20, recently signed a new 12-month contract with the League Two outfit having progressed through the ranks at Spotland.

Hill said: "Joe is a homegrown talent. He can play down the middle, play wide or play as an offensive midfield player."

He added: "I am glad that we signed him because during the close season he could have gone to a League One club.

"That didn't suit Joe and it didn't suit us and I consider him to be a real talent."