Barnes-Homer likely to return

The 25-year-old, who hit 19 goals for the Hatters last season, has struggled to break into Dale’s matchday squad in recent weeks and has failed to score since joining the League One club on loan in August.

Town chief Gary Brabin said: “He is there until the end of January. He is Rochdale’s player and how they want to deal with him is up to them.

“Matthew felt he wanted a fresh challenge of playing a little higher.

“He has that opportunity and it’s up to him now to prove that he can do that. If that’s not the case he is our player back in January.”

Barnes-Homer again missed out as Dale were beaten 2-1 at home by Brentford in League One on Saturday.