18-year-old Rochdale midfielder Ethan Brierley has joined Spennymoor Town on loan until the end of the season.

Brierley, born and raised in Rochdale, first came to attention when he featured on the bench during an Emirates FA Cup against Newcastle United in January 2020.

The midfielder had to wait for his debut, featuring in an EFL Cup victory at Huddersfield Town in September of the same year.

Despite rumoured interest from Premier League giants Manchester City, Brierley signed his first professional contract with Rochdale on 26 November 2020, having turned 17 earlier that week.

Upon the completion of Brierley’s loan deal, Anthony Johnson said: “Like Tyrese, Ethan is someone we’ve been aware of for a while.

“To be honest, we didn’t think he would be attainable as Rochdale think very highly of him.

“He’s a fantastically gifted player and will make us better in possession. We can’t wait to see him in a Spennymoor shirt.”

You can watch Ethan in action this Saturday against Brackley. Buy tickets for the game here.