STANLEY boss John Coleman is hoping Lee McEvilly's loan move to Rochdale can kick-start his career.

The 25-year-old hitman joined Dale on loan until January, with an option to extend it until the end of the season.

And Coleman is hopeful that getting games under his belt will bring about a return of the old McEvilly - who re-joined Stanley in the summer from Wrexham.

He said: "I still haven't given up hope that Lee can get back to his best.

"He'll definitely do a job for Rochdale and if he can string a number of games together then I'm sure he'll do well.

"He's had an injury and he missed a few games and has never really been able to put a run of games together.

"But he's a good player and I'm hoping he comes back to us as sharp as I know he can be."

As part of the loan agreement, McEvilly will not be allowed to play against Stanley.

Coleman added that he was hoping to have a couple players in on loan before the loan deadline expires today.