‘Classic old fashioned striker’ - Expert insight into new Doncaster Rovers signing Will Keane

Doncaster Rovers have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of former Preston North End centre forward Will Keane on a free transfer.

Keane came on for his debut during the final 20 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

It marked his first competitive appearance in six months, with that particular outing ironically coming against Doncaster Rovers during a loan spell at Reading.

Keane arrives on a free transfer until January, replacing the injured Frankie Okoronkwo in the 22-man squad.

Here, we get the lowdown from Ross Chapman, who covers Preston North End. He’s seen Will Keane at close quarters at Deepdale during the last three seasons and believes the striker could prove a shrewd signing for Doncaster Rovers.

Keane arrived at Preston on the back of a hugely productive spell at Wigan Athletic which had seen him hit 48 goals in three seasons, including a staggering 26 in the 2021/22 campaign when he fired the Latics to the League One title.

“He had three seasons at Preston after joining from Wigan in 2023, although he did also have a loan spell in 2015 which was slightly less memorable,” Ross said.

“When he first joined, he had a very successful first season. He scored 13 goals and he linked up really well with Emil Riis.

“Preston often played two up front that season under Ryan Lowe - and Keane tended to be the deeper of the two forwards. He thrived in that partnership.

“When he’s at his best. He’s really good at linking the play, he likes to get in the box, and he has a good positional sense.

“He never gives up and works really hard even when things aren’t going his way. Hampers defences.He’s a good penalty taker too. Just a classic old fashioned striker.”

Keane hit the ground running in his first season at Preston but struggled to get anywhere near those standards in the two years that followed.

“Over time he struggled with injuries. Ryan Lowe was replaced by Paul Heckingbottom and he just struggled to get into the starting lineup as often,” Ross added.

“I have to admit though I was pretty surprised when he was loaned out to Reading last season as Preston didn’t have loads of attacking options at that point and he’d just come back and scored against Norwich City.”

Keane managed two goals in 14 matches during his loan at Reading before being released by Preston upon the expiration of his contract. He spent most of pre-season with the PFA in an effort to remain matchfit while he continued his search for a club.

“I’m surprised it took such a long time,” Ross said.

“It’s a low risk and high reward signing for Doncaster Rovers. He’s very proven. It should really suit him if he stays fit.”