Doncaster Rovers v Middlesbrough: O'Driscoll switches sights after Gillett blow

Manager Sean O'Driscoll has moved for the 18-year-old midfielder after hitting a stumbling block in his bid to sign Simon Gillett from League One Southampton on a permanent basis.

Mutch made his debut for the Midlanders against Southampton in the Carling Cup last season, aged just 16 years and 268 days, and is the youngest player in the club's history other than Trevor Francis.

He has just returned from a month on loan in League Two with Hereford United and Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is keen to test the player at Championship level.

O'Driscoll said: "Jordan is a talented boy with a big future. We have a good reputation with young players and a good environment. it is almost a case of we have been 'selected'.

"We have chatted to Alex McLeish, the boy, and his agent and they are happy for him to come with no guarantees," he added. "He looks the part, he's 6ft 1ins tall and a stylish footballer."

Although the deal to keep Gillett, who spent three months on loan at the Keepmoat Stadium before returning to the south coast last week is not dead, O'Driscoll says Southampton have to compromise.

Tonight, Rovers host Middlesbrough seeking to move further up the Championship table and mount a push for the promotion play-offs. The two clubs are currently level on points although Rovers have two games in hand.

Defender Jason Shackell is doubtful after picking up a groin strain in the weekend FA Cup defeat at Derby County and Rovers are still without Martin Woods, Adam Lockwood and Waide Fairhurst.

Striker Steve Brooker, who has played only one game since joining Rovers 14 months ago from Bristol City, visits a specialist today amid further concerns surrounding his ankle problems.

Last six games: Rovers WWLWWL, Boro LWLLLD

Last time: Rovers 0 Boro 2; May 9, 1987, Divison Three

Referee: SJ Tanner (Somerset).