by Luke Cawdell

Midfielder Michael Richardson wasn’t included in the 18-man matchday squad at Rochdale but boss Martin Allen is still hopeful of extending his loan spell with the Gills.

His loan from Premier League Newcastle United is at an end but Allen is keen to have Richardson’s (pictured) presence in the squad.

Allen was due to speak with Newcastle before the weekend in a bid to hold onto the 21-year-old for a little longer.

He said: "I will have a chat with Newcastle and see what they want to do."

Fellow loanee Danny East, from Championship side Hull City, was also missing from the squad on Tuesday night but both he and Richardson were part of the travelling party.

Allen said: "I couldn’t get him (Richardson) on the bench so it was pretty difficult for him and for Danny East but I went for two centre forwards with Birchall and Burton and we had to make that change when Whelpdale went off. We will review it and see what the situation is with Michael."