GRANT McCANN says that Jordan Thomas's chance to shine is approaching at Doncaster Rovers.

The former Cheltenham Town winger has had a quiet opening to his Rovers career after joining in late July.

Thomas had been set to join hometown club Oxford United, but the move collapsed due to a temporary transfer embargo imposed on the U’s by the EFL.

Oxford's loss was Rovers' gain, with Thomas penning a three-year deal.

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann, pictured against Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann, pictured against Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Rovers chief McCann, inset, said: “He will (get more chances), there's no doubt about it. When we were recruiting in the summer and lost Luke Molyneux, even before he went, Jordan was a player we were desperate to bring in.

“He was very close to going to Oxford and obviously there was the stuff that happened there and we managed to get him. He's an Oxford boy and wanted to be around that area, but we're pleased to have him.

“It's been a bit stop-start for him. Initially when he came in, he hadn't had a pre-season and had been training on his own. We knew it would take a bit of time and I've no doubt in time, he will be a really good player for us. We've seen really good glimpses of him.

“He picked up a knock and has then come back and set a goal up on Tuesday – and at Peterborough (previously). I think he'll just get better and better."

Doncaster Rovers winger Jordan Thomas. Picture courtesy of DRFC

McCann remains hopeful that striker Alfie May will return for Saturday’s League One trip to MK Dons – but has suffered a blow regarding midfielder Tommi O’Reilly.

The Aston Villa loanee, who made his comeback from a separate injury issue in last weekend’s derby victory over Sheffield Wednesday, has picked up a knock in training and is likely to be out for a few weeks.

On May, who missed the midweek game at Luton Town with a calf problem, McCann said: “We will see how he is over the next day or two, but he’s improving.

“He had a scan on his calf on Monday and the scan report came back saying ‘all clear’, which is good.

“Tommi O’Reilly is going to be out for a bit. Unfortunately, he took a knock in training and we probably won’t see him until after the (November) international break, which is disappointing for us and Tommi, who was just getting to the levels that we wanted him to get to.”

James Collins is said to be progressing well in his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury.