Robbie McKenzie’s attacking role at the weekend was a surprise to the player, let alone opponents Rochdale.

The former Hull City player was signed for his defensive attributes and his ability to also play in midfield but on Saturday he was the main support for striker John Akinde. He scored the opener in a 4-1 win, could have had a second soon after, and played a key role in the victory.

Manager Steve Evans had few other options in attack due to injuries and said: “I don’t think they had a clue when they saw Robbie McKenzie playing in such an advanced position, thinking ‘where has he come from?’

“When I said to Robbie that he was going to start in that role and I told Paul Raynor (the assistant manager), they both looked at me, but that is why I earn the big bucks! Kidding apart, he has lots of energy and the way Rochdale play, their midfield who get on the ball and are expressive, they dictate the play and I knew Robbie would upset that and he did.

“I made my mind up very early in the week that I was going to play Robertson and Eccles (in the role infront of the defence) and what player did we have who was fit and in the group that could do it?

“When I told the staff what I was thinking Paul Raynor’s eyes nearly popped out of his head!

“But Robbie covered every blade of grass and I am sure he was thinking afterwards, ‘I have earned my money today’.”

Raynor may have been surprised at his manager’s thinking but Evans praised his assistant for making his plans at Rochdale come to fruition.

Evans said: “Paul Raynor deserved a lot of credit. We did a lot of work on that shape and style, since Accrington (last) Tuesday, and we carried on the second half against them, where we were dominant.

“I have never been to Spotland (home of Rochdale), winning and out-passing them and out-playing them and out everything them.”

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