Five-year-old Rochdale fan wins EFL player of the month

Terminally ill Joshua McCormack was named among Dale's substitutes

Rochdale players held up Joshua McCormack's shirt after the game (@officiallydale Twitter)

A terminally ill five-year-old boy has been named the EFL’s honorary player of the month.

Joshua McCormack, who has a terminal brain tumour, was named on the bench for Rochdale’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Hartlepool on Wednesday.

He was unable to make the game at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium because of illness but the League One side printed a shirt with his name and squad number on it and presented it to Joshua the next day.

Joshua first met the team in February of this year and led the side out in August as the team mascot.

And Rochdale boss Keith Hill said Joshua’s story had “touched the hearts” of everyone at the club.

"The accolade follows on from the traditional monthly manager and player of the month divisional award winners announced," said a statement.

"And will see a special trophy produced and sent to the club for them to pass on to their youngest-ever signing."