Doncaster Rovers have lacked a cutting edge so far this term, but the recruitment of a former Manchester United man in Will Keane could solve their issues.

Grant McCann has suffered the pains of repeated injuries in the all-important attacking department, and was forced to dip into the waters of free agents to find a solution that could prove very fruitful and valuable.

Injury replacement for Doncaster Rovers

Will Keane, now 33 years old, was a free agent until Doncaster secured his signature in mid-October. The striker has linked up with the PFA’s team and kept himself match fit, serving up an instant good impression when thrown into the team from the bench on his debut.

He netted twice for Reading last season in 14 appearances at League One level, with a prior goal for Preston North End earlier in the term one division higher.

The Irishman’s last double-digit campaign was in 2023/24, where he found the back of the net 13 times for Preston. That was the fourth season in a row that Keane managed a tally of 10 or more, with three seasons at Wigan Athletic delivering a stellar return of 50 goals across all competitions.

His free agent success was a slight surprise, and Rovers did well to bring him on board when dealt another injury blow. Doncaster signed James Collins on loan from Lincoln City with his injury already known, but have seen summer recruit Frankie Orokonkwo sidelined.

The attacker spent a portion of last term on loan in South Yorkshire, picking up a knock as the season progressed. He did enough to earn a permanent deal, but has developed a further injury. That has been worsened with the latest set-back pushing his return into the turn of the year.

Keane has been brought in until the January transfer window, and has a chance to earn himself a spot beyond should he impress enough.

Will Keane making a good impression

In cameo appearances against Leicester City and Stockport County, Keane looked good. He showed a killer touch and commanded his space with smooth and calm hold-up play.

That earned him a spot in the starting 11 for the derby against Sheffield Wednesday, where he again impressed with a good display. He is yet to net his first goal in Doncaster colours, but has shown sparks with his hold-up play, chance creation, and vision for a pass.

Keane wasn’t the only player that slumped for Rovers against Luton Town, with Jack Wilshere’s side recording a straight-forward win in the most recent outing for Rovers.

Chance to impress Grant McCann

The former Republic of Ireland international and Manchester United appearance maker has a chance to earn himself a contract beyond January. If he provides enough threat and shows all of the years of his experience, then he would be a solid addition for at least the remainder of the campaign.

His size and strength are a welcome bonus to the Rovers top-line, which lacks in those departments. Keane could be the answer to the finishing and attacking problems Doncaster have been experiencing.

Only seven teams have registered fewer goals so far this term, despite Rovers having an expected goals (xG) tally that puts them higher up the division, in 14th rather than 17th.

Keane has work to do between now and January to force a decision from the Doncaster higher-ups, but he has shown already that he may just have the key to unlock the door.