Macauley is to stay for a third month as the former Crewe player, who also had a spell on loan with Silkmen last season, is currently out of the first-team picture at Spotland.

However, Dale boss Paul Simpson is not ready to make the move permanent.

Simpson said: "I am reluctant to allow Steve to join Macclesfield permanently.

"I feel we haven't seen the best of him yet.

"By allowing him to get some first-team action at Macclesfield it will improve his fitness.

"When he returns I feel he could come into his own," Simpson told his club's website.

Macauley, 33, has started just seven games for Rochdale since joining the club last summer.