Scunthorpe United vs Rochdale - Scunthorpe's Stephen Dawson looks to overcome foot injury for visit of Rochdale

Mark Robins will assess Scunthorpe's squad prior to Rochdale's visit with a couple of players pushing to keep their places.

Stephen Dawson, who made his first appearance since August against Doncaster following a knee injury, has a lump on his foot following a robust challenge.

David Mirfin (hamstring) also returned for the first time in over a month and both were substituted before the 70-minute mark.

Winger Gary McSheffrey is a long-term injury absentee for the Iron due to a recent knee operation.

Rochdale loanee John O'Sullivan will serve the second match of his suspension.

The Blackburn midfielder was due to complete his three-game ban in this fixture, but Dale's Boxing Day meeting with Crewe was postponed due to the weather so O'Sullivan must wait a little longer for his comeback.

Joe Rafferty (stomach) and midfielder Jamie Allen (dead leg) were doubts for the Alex's visit so will have benefited from the extra couple of days off.

Defender Scott Tanser is still struggling with a thigh issue and Dale boss Keith Hill will have to run the rule over him.