Rochdale vs Bristol City preview - Lillis blow for Dale

Posted Friday, August 22, 2014 by PA

Rochdale will be without goalkeeper Josh Lillis for at least two months following further assessment of the ankle injury he suffered at Chesterfield last Saturday.

Conrad Logan made his first start between the posts since joining on loan from Leicester for Tuesday's 5-2 win at Crewe and is set to continue ahead of Jonathan Musangu when Bristol City visit Spotland in League One.

"He didn't have a chance to train with us - he came straight to the stadium and I think he did exceptionally well," revealed Dale boss Keith Hill. "The save just before half-time, when Peter Vincenti was off the pitch, was arguably a match-winning save."

Hill has also confirmed captain Olly Lancashire (groin) and midfielder Matty Lund (shoulder) are expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

Bristol City's new signing Kieran Agard will be in their matchday squad when they travel to Spotland.

The former Yeovil forward arrived on a three-year deal from Rotherham on Thursday morning and will compete with last season's golden boot winner Sam Baldock and in the-form Aaron Wilbraham, as well as Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, for a place in Steve Cotterill's starting line-up against Dale.

With no injuries sustained during Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Leyton Orient, Cotterill has no pre-match injury worries for the trip with a fully-fit squad available.

This is City's first meeting with Rochdale since March 1984.