Joey Barton wants 'exciting' attackers to get Fleetwood back on track at Rochdale

Barton said: “We were disappointed on Saturday (losing 1-0 at home to Wimbledon) but we’re now looking ahead to Rochdale and hoping for maximum points at Spotland.”

A clean sheet, which Town are yet to record this season, would be a big help and the boss added: “We are in the marketplace and hopefully we can get reinforcements because if we don’t replace that level of defensive quality (from last season) it’s always going to be a tough ask.”

On the attacking side, Baton believes his squad is already “very exciting” with the best to come. He explained: “Look at the calibre of players – Mark Duffy is still to get fit after a year out of football. Baz McKay trained one session with us (before his debut) after an injury at Swansea. Ched Evans needs a bit of support, which he usually gets from (injured Paddy) Madden.

“Josh Morris was superb. He really stepped up. Callum Camps has had a great start. We know the quality Paul Coutts has got. Sam Finley is to come in and Jordan Rossiter is back on the grass.

“I’m really excited about the energy and the legs they’ll bring. Jay Matete was great again and was pushing really hard for a start . He could come into contention for the Rochdale game.”

n Fleetwood defender Morgan Boyes has been named in the Wales Under-21 squad for their UEFA Championship qualifier away to Belgium a week tomorrow.