David Perkins' window seat for the plane bound to Spain has already been filled as Dale boss Keith Hill has recruited Barnsley midfielder Simon Heslop for the trip. The 21 year old is on trial with a view to a loan move to Spotland and will have the Spanish visit to impress Hilly and Flicker.

There's not a right lot known about Heslop. What we do know is:

• He has come through the ranks at Barnsley
• He has made just one appearance for the Tykes, that coming in a 7-0 defeat at the hands of West Brom (they were already 5-0 down when he came off the bench)
• He has had loan spells at Kidderminster, Tamworth, Northwich and Halifax
• He played alongside recent signing Jon Shaw during that spell at Halifax
•  He's described as an attacking midfielder

It seems that he impressed whilst with Halifax. A few comments on their board regarding this signing are:

"Excellent player. Along with Jon Shaw, our best player last season. You lucky lot, you've got our two best players! Heslop is a hard working, attacking midfielder with plenty of skill. In particular, he has a fantastic shot. Watch out for some screaming pile drivers from 25 yards out. He scored several great goals for us."

"Will score some spectacular goals for you 30yard thunderbolts usually."

"Yes good player......similar player to the way gerrard plays(only not quite as good!) gets up and down good passer,team player and a good peg on him....should do alright if he gets chance"

"Tell your boss to get him signed NOW! He's superb. Quality - absolutely quality. He has a fatherless pig of a shot. SIGN HIM, OR GIVE HIM BACK!!!"

"great player gives 100%, covers all the pitch"

No, we have no idea what a fatherless pig of a shot means either.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters

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