Doncaster Rovers are poised for a strong campaign in League Two this season under Grant McCann’s second year as manager.
Doncaster Rovers are gearing up for a strong season in League Two, with a number of new faces making an impact during preseason.
The club has made several impressive signings, blending experience and potential. With seasoned players like the iconic Billy Sharp, winger Jordan Gibson, and midfielder Harry Clifton alongside young talents such as Joe Sbarra, Ephraim Yeboah, and Tom Nixon, Doncaster appears well-positioned for a promising campaign.
It seems another addition is on the horizon, as Free Press writer Ricky Charlesworth revealed that midfielder Patrick Kelly is set to join Rovers on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old is expected to be one of the final signings for the club, completing their squad for the upcoming season.
Patrick Kelly, a Portstewart-born Northern Ireland international youth prospect, first made a name for himself with Coleraine, where he started eight of his 30 league appearances during the 2021-22 season. His performances caught the attention of West Ham United, leading to a move to their U18s squad.
In his first season with the Hammers, Kelly scored once in 12 U18s Premier League appearances, made five appearances in the FA Youth Cup, and scored twice in three games for Northern Ireland’s U19s during UEFA Euros qualification.
Kelly is primarily a defensive midfielder but also exhibits progressive traits. During the 2023-24 Premier League 2 campaign, he scored two goals and provided five assists in 20 appearances for West Ham’s U21s. He is versatile, capable of playing both as a number six and number eight, and has adapted to different formations, including 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1.
How beneficial could this move be for Doncaster?
Patrick Kelly is an exciting option to add to the midfielders currently with Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium.
The 19-year-old Northern Irish-born prospect adds quite a lot of potential to that squad, but from a Rovers perspective, if offers a potential loan route out for some of their young and unproven academy talent to gain more senior first team football in the non-league football system.
Players such as Will Flint and Sam Straughan-Brown have a real opportunity to gain more minutes out on loan whilst Kelly develops under Grant McCann in South Yorkshire.
Looking at the more senior midfielders at the club, Owen Bailey stands out as the pick of the bunch whilst Ben Close can be a physical presence on the pitch and when fully fit, he’ll have a point to prove.
As will new signing Harry Clifton, who’s recovering from a slight knock in preseason. George Broadbent has had a strong preseason heading into a potential breakthrough season.