Tuesday 13 January 2015 16:16, UK
Rochdale have completed the permanent signing of forward Reuben Noble-Lazarus from League One rivals Barnsley.
The 21-year-old, who has signed an 18-month contract, has scored two goals in six appearances for Rochdale since arriving on loan in October. "He's an exciting player," Dale manager Keith Hill told the club's official website. "He's got outstanding qualities and I'm glad that we've got him signed up for next season as well because that was our intention. "It's not just for this season - we wanted some benefit from signing him and I feel as though signing him on an 18-month contract gives the football club, Reuben and myself, the best opportunity for Reuben to express himself and to find a home. "I feel as though he's maturing now and I feel as though I understand Reuben better. He understands what's required better and we've still got to develop Reuben. "What we've seen from Reuben is moments of great excitement and real talent and we've got to make sure that we can prepare him for more of those moments than we've seen." Noble-Lazarus progressed through Barnsley's academy and became the Football League's youngest-ever player in September 2008 when making his debut for the Reds at Ipswich aged 15 years and 45 days.