Rochdale: Scott Hogan urges clubs to look at non-league talent

Rochdale striker Scott Hogan believes clubs should look more at the talent available outside the Football League.

Hogan came through the youth system at Spotland but was allowed to leave in 2011 and had spells at FC Halifax, Stocksbridge, Ashton Utd and Hyde.

The 21-year-old returned in the summer and has scored twice in four games.

"It's whether you want to take the gamble. There is talent in non-league and there's a lot of players that can make the step up," Hogan said.

"You look at people like Jamie Vardy, who I used to play with at Halifax and he went from Fleetwood to Leicester.

"My brother [Liam Hogan] has signed for Fleetwood this season and he's come from non-league.

"You've only got to look at [Southampton striker] Rickie Lambert, who has come from lower down and scored for England on his debut."

Rochdale have previously had success developing players from non-league, such as Craig Dawson, who arrived from Radcliffe Borough and moved to Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.

Hogan was released by Dale in manager Keith Hill's first spell in charge, but says he always believed he could make the step back up.

"I've come back, been at home, worked hard in Irlam at the gym and he [Keith Hill] has given me another chance now," Hogan told BBC Radio Manchester.

"He knows I have the ability and it's just the physical side which I've worked hard on. Physically, I don't think there's many better than me in the league."