Baker and Holland look at Rochdale wonderkid

The Northern Ireland born youngster was invited on trial for a day this week. The winger had a unsucessful trial with Norwich earlier this season but after his agent got in touch with Dario, before his operation, McCourt was invited on trial for Neil Baker and Steve Holland to look at.

Rochdale's manager, Alan Buckley, admits McCourts agent got the trial against Buckley's will but doesn't mind:

"I'm happy for Patrick to train with Crewe. The move has been instigated by his agent but having spoke to Dario, before his heart operation, it was something I was willing to sanction"

McCourt is a striker who can play on either wing. He is described to have "sublime foot control" on the ball. Steve Jones knows him from their sessions with Northern Ireland.