Doncaster Rovers have completed the loan signing of striker James Collins from Lincoln City. The 35-year-old former Republic of Ireland international will remain at the Eco-Power Stadium until January as he works his way back from a serious knee injury.
Collins suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in December 2025 and has not played since. He is expected to return to action in November. The loan move is designed to provide him with a controlled environment for the final stages of his rehabilitation while offering Doncaster additional attacking options. The club currently sits 20th in League One with three points from four games, having scored just four goals this season.
Manager Grant McCann sees Collins as a significant addition despite the player's current fitness situation. McCann told reporters that he believes the arrangement benefits everyone involved. "I think we can help him and he can certainly help us," McCann said. "We have a good relationship with Lincoln City and this is a move that I believe benefits all parties."
The manager acknowledged patience will be required. Collins has been working extensively with Lincoln City's medical staff, and Doncaster have maintained close contact throughout the process. "James has been working really hard with the medical team at Lincoln City and we've been in constant dialogue with them to ensure a smooth handover for the final stages of his rehab," McCann added.
James Collins brings a wealth of experience to Doncaster's squad. He started his career as a youth player at Aston Villa before embarking on a professional journey that included spells at Derby County, Luton Town, and Cardiff City. The striker has scored more than 230 goals in all competitions across his career and earned caps for the Republic of Ireland.
His proven goal-scoring record could be vital for a Doncaster side that has found goals hard to come by in the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign. The team's recent form reads DDDL, and they currently sit seven points behind league leaders Huddersfield Town. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
The signing comes at a time when Doncaster Rovers are seeking to improve their offensive output. With four goals scored and five conceded in their opening four matches, adding a player of Collins' pedigree makes strategic sense. His eventual return to fitness could provide a timely boost.
McCann will integrate Collins carefully, focusing first on completing his recovery before pushing for first-team involvement. The short-term nature of the loan until January allows both clubs to assess the situation midway through the season. Supporters can view the full squad details on our squad page.
Attention now turns to Doncaster's next fixture, a home match against Plymouth Argyle on September 5th. Plymouth are currently 16th in the table. This game presents an opportunity for Rovers to climb away from the lower reaches of the division.
The club will hope Collins' rehabilitation continues smoothly so he can contribute later in the autumn. His loan deal from Lincoln City is set to expire in January 2027.
