Scout Report: Jordan Rhodes

If DJ Campbell leaves the Seasiders this summer as expected he’ll need to be replaced.

The trouble is, finding another striker in his mould (someone who works hard, runs the channels, has pace and scores goals) who won’t break the bank is very difficult, so I’m going to suggest someone a little different: step forward Jordan Rhodes.

The 21 year old Huddersfield Town striker is rated as one of the best prospects in the lower leagues, and has bagged 39 goals for the Terriers across all competitions in the past two seasons.

He’s a little different in the sense that he’s more of your old-style centre forward – give him a chance in the 18 yard box and he’ll hit the target. You could argue that such a ‘static’ player won’t fit our system, but it could also be exactly what we need.

He began his career for Ipswich Town however, signing for the Tractor Boys in 2005.

After scoring goals left, right and centre for the Portman Road’s youth and reserve sides, he went out on loan to the likes of Oxford, Rochdale and Brentford.

However, he found opportunities at his parent club limited, and in July 2009 joined Huddersfield on a four year contract (he’s since signed an extension) for an undisclosed fee much to the chagrin of Ipswich fans.

He also has one cap for Scotland’s U21s, having switched allegiances from England (he was born in Oldham).

There has been speculation this summer that Rhodes is unhappy at the Galpharm and has had a bust-up with manager Lee Clark, but the Yorkshire club maintain that the striker is not for sale despite reported interest from the likes of Millwall.

What is for certain is that it would probably take a seven figure bid to prise Rhodes away – he’s under contract until 2015 (nice to see a club protecting their saleable assets with lengthy contracts, eh?).

Still, he’s only 21 and scores regularly in the league just below us, so I think that any deal around the £1-£2 million mark would be good business for us. Watch this space.