PAUL Wheatcroft might be out of sight but he is not out of mind as far as Wanderers are concerned.

The young reserve striker has helped Rochdale post two wins since he went to Spotland on a month's loan, much to the delight of Sam Allardyce.

On Saturday Wheatcroft gave an impressive first-half performance going close twice against Rushden and Dynamo before going off injured at half-time. Second placed Dale were held to a 0-0 home draw.

The Reebok boss has been getting comprehensive reports on the youngster and says: "They've had two very, very good wins since Paul went there and I'm chuffed for Steve Parkin (the Dale manager).

"Paul scored in the 3-1 win against Mansfield and, although he didn't score at Swansea they had a terrific 1-0 win. That's never an easy place to get a good result and they did it there and back in the day by coach. That makes it even better."

With full-back Dean Holden now out on loan at Oldham, Allardyce knows at least two of the players on the fringe of his senior squad are getting regular first team football and says he would not hesitate to let others follow suit.

"At their age it's crucial to find out what level they are going to get to and it's difficult to find that out if they don't get first team football," he explains.

"Otherwise they get what's called 'reserve teamitis' and never really realise their potential."