ROCHDALE included a five-year-old boy in their squad for Wednesday evening’s Checkatrade Trophy match at Hartlepool United.
Joshua McCormack, from Rochdale, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and was told it was terminal in September.
Joshua did not attend the game at Northern Gas and Power Stadium but the club hung a shirt up in the changing room.
#RAFC Joshua's shirt has pride of place in the dressing room #McCormack55 pic.twitter.com/t7A8ZmS0NQ
— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) November 9, 2016
He was named as one of Dale's seven substitutes, with the squad number 55.
"He has touched the hearts of everyone at Rochdale since we met him for the first time back in February," manager Keith Hill told the club website.
"No child should have to go through what Joshua is going through and we, as a club and a group of players, will continue to do whatever we can to support him and his family.
"We hope this one small gesture can bring some light to his family during this difficult time."
Rochdale won the game 2-1.
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