Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman belted in the winner, as Jack Ross’ side picked up a vital three points at the weekend.
Honeyman wears the armband for Sunderland and he showed why he had been selected at the leader of the team on Saturday.
The youngster was not included in Sunderland’s starting line-up at Spotland, but he did not let that impact on his attitude.
Instead, Honeyman was in the dressing room talking to Sunderland’s first 11, and when he did get his chance he took it.
The attacking midfielder scored the goal as the Black Cats scored a late winner against Dale.
And Ross said: “I heard how George was in the dressing room with players before the game. He knows his role. He knew he would get an opportunity to get onto the pitch, whether it was five minutes or 55, whatever it was.
“George every single day is brilliant and on Saturday he came on and played various different roles for us. His hunger to be a successful captain here is brilliant and his performance levels have been consistently good so he’s always made a contribution.”
Honeyman’s goal may have forced him back into starting contention for Sunderland, as their season reaches crunch time.
Sunderland’s win over Rochdale has taken them level on points with second placed Barnsley in the League One Table, and Ross’ side have two games in hand over the Tykes in the race for automatic promotion.
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