LONDON, CMC – Rochdale manager Jimmy McNulty says he is excited by the return of forward Kairo Mitchell, hailing the Grenada international as an “amazing” team player and key to his side’s fortunes this season.
The 26-year-old was on a hot scoring streak with ten goals in 21 appearances but picked up an ankle injury last November and only returned to action last Saturday in Rochdale’s surprise 2-1 home defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge.
“I’m thrilled to have Kairo back. It was a massive loss,” McNulty said.
“It was an innocuous injury in training, which breaks your heart. He got to ten goals so early and is massive for the team.
“That same culture and humility that I talk about, he embodies it. His selfless work from the front was so evident in the first part of the season.”
England-born Mitchell, who has already earned 15 caps for Grenada, is in his first season in the north-west after being released by Notts County.
And he wasted little time finding his scoring touch, his form helping Rochdale to their current ninth spot in the standings on 41 points.
Just before his injury, Mitchell scored in three successive games in 11 days against Wealdstone, Aldershot, and Altrincham, and McNulty said having the player back would be a massive boost for the run-in.
“The ten goals were amazing for him, but everything else he did for the team I found amazing, and I know his teammates value that too,” McNulty said.
“Seeing him return on the pitch was excellent news and can only help us move forward.” Rochale, who won only three games in nine outings in Mitchell’s absence, face Altrincham in their next fixture on Saturday.
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