A terminally ill five-year-old boy has been named the EFL’s honorary player of the month.

Joshua McCormack, who has a terminal brain tumour, was named on the bench for Rochdale’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Hartlepool on Wednesday.

He was unable to make the game at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium because of illness but the League One side printed a shirt with his name and squad number on it and presented it to Joshua the next day.

Joshua first met the team in February of this year and led the side out in August as the team mascot.

And Rochdale boss Keith Hill said Joshua’s story had “touched the hearts” of everyone at the club.

"The accolade follows on from the traditional monthly manager and player of the month divisional award winners announced," said a statement.