DONCASTER Rovers manager Grant McCann praised owner Terry Bramall and chief executive officer Gavin Baldwin for giving him the green light to sign Will Keane at short notice.

The 33-year-old has joined until January after Rovers received special dispensation by the EFL to replace injured forward Francis Okoronkwo on their 22-man squad list.

Okoronkwo has yet to feature this season; the club received news earlier this week that he will be out until the new year.

Keane's arrival has boosted Rovers' striking options, with McCann revealing that the ex-Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday man was 'on the list' of several Championship clubs after leaving Preston North End.

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

McCann said: "I'm really thankful to Terry and Gavin because we were right at our limit.

"We managed to get one or two of the young players out on loan. It doesn't pay for Will's wages, but it certainly helps.

"I think when I spoke to Terry and Gavin, I just said: 'we probably just need a little bit of help until January, this is what's happened - it's just a complete no-brainer.'

"There wasn't even a question about it and that's why the support I receive here is second to none and they just want to help the football club.

Doncaster Rovers have signed former Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday frontman Will Keane on a short-term deal.

"They know that I don't just come to them willy-nilly for things.

"They have a bit of a meaning about it. They were great."

Keane attended the Professional Footballers' Association's pre-season training camp in order to maintain his fitness and could be handed a debut from the bench at Leicester City this weekend.

McCann added: "I spoke to a few managers, particularly Paul Heckingbottom.

"I know Hecky obviously well from Barnsley when I played with him and a few lads that he (Keane) played with.

"He's not match-fit (to start) at this moment. He knows that.

"If he can give us 20-30 minutes off the bench for the first week or two and we build him in slowly, it gives us a bit more options from our substitute bench."

Jordan Thomas, Tommi O'Reilly, James Husband, Jack Senior and Jamie Sterry are set to be in contention for next weekend's derby with Sheffield Wednesday.

Bayley McCann is available for this weekend’s trip to the King Power Stadium.