Rochdale without a number of international players for replay against Wrexham

Posted Tuesday, November 19, 2019 by PA

Brian Barry-Murphy could still be without a number of international players for Rochdale’s FA Cup first-round replay against National League Wrexham.

For Saturday’s League One defeat at Coventry, Dale were without Luke Matheson – the teenager who scored against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford – as he was away on international duty with England Under-18s.

The 17-year-old defender started Monday afternoon’s clash against the Czech Republic Under-18s and remains absent for Barry-Murphy’s side, who were held to a goalless draw by the National League strugglers earlier this month.

On-loan Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies will also be unavailable as he remains on international duty with Wales Under-21s.

Wrexham’s Mark Carrington claimed the man of the match award following the November 10 stalemate and is set to continue in the heart of the visitors’ midfield at Spotland on Tuesday night.

Manager Dean Keates rested most of his squad for their weekend clash with Rangers Colts but will revert to his strongest side against Rochdale.

Forward Mark Harris is unavailable due to being away on Wales Under-21 duty, while Manny Smith remains sidelined with a long-term injury and fellow defender James Horsfield’s loan from Scunthorpe has expired.

Midfielder Adam Barton is sidelined following keyhole surgery on his knee.