For there was a time when McArdle was not considered the talent that he is now. In his initial loan spell from Sheffield Wednesday, he was much criticised in certain quarters and blamed for a leaky defence. McArdle wasn't helped by the fact that the team on the whole were struggling, and the defence seemed to change week in week out.

However, there were no doubts that this spell made him a much better player. Eyebrows were raised when Steve Parkin returned to Hillsborough to pick McArdle up for a second time - this time on loan with an agreed transfer to follow once the transfer window re-opened. Those doubters were soon proved very wrong.

Given the benefit of a regular defensive partner, McArdle formed an almost instantaneous partnership with Nathan Stanton, and they were backbone of a Dale side who fought off any fears of relegation within a month or so of Keith Hill taking over. Before the end of that season, McArdle had won many plaudits for his displays, and humble pie became the top seller at the Spotland matchday kiosks.

His strength at the back continued to grow, becoming even more dominant in his third season at the club, with many supporters now rating McArdle as the most prized asset at Spotland. We had many great displays from McArdle which were way beyond his years, and the memories of his days as the Dale scapegoat were suddenly long forgotten.

He proved himself to be a strong threat from an attacking point of view too. He weighed in with four goals, one of which will be the one to tell his grandkids about as he scored the goal which gave Dale the lead in the Play Off final at Wembley.

McArdle has been a regular over the years for Northern Ireland U-21 team, and has captained them on a number of occasions. He has been tipped by many to make the progression up to full international during the next season.

He recently signed a contract extension which will keep him at Spotland until the Summer of 2010.