Will Keane backs himself to deliver goals for Doncaster Rovers as he discusses PFA training programme

Will Keane insists he can still deliver goals at League One level following his return to club football.

The experienced forward joined Doncaster Rovers after a spell out of contract, having kept himself active through the Professional Footballers' Association's training programme.

Keane has already integrated himself into Grant McCann's squad and is now hoping to make a significant contribution during a busy period of fixtures.

“I've had success at this level and that's what I want to bring to the club,” he said.

“I know I can definitely still score goals at this level and that's what I want to do. Hopefully stay fit and get a good run of games.

“That's what I want to try and contribute.”

Keane, who has previously featured for Manchester United and Preston North End while notably winning the Golden Boot at this level with Wigan Athletic, believes his experience can also prove valuable to a Rovers squad containing a number of young players.

“I've been around it for a long time now, so hopefully I can pass that on to some of the younger lads,” he added.

“We've got lots of young lads coming through. I can help them and that's obviously something I'm trying to do as well.”

Keane was heavily praised by Preston reporter Ross Chapman for his ability to link up play, particularly in his first year at Deepdale where he formed an effective partnership 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,” Ross said.

Keane shared this view and says that he believes he can give his manager plenty to work with.

“Whether that's playing as a striker, more of an in-and-out role or if it's being slightly deeper at times in the 10, I think I can do both,” Keane said.

“I know what the team needs, and the manager knows I can bring that sort of flexibility.

“At the end of the day, I'm getting in the box and trying to score goals. That's what I know I'm going to get judged on, so hopefully I can bring that.”

Keane admitted that being without a club had made him appreciate the everyday routine of professional football even more.

The PFA's 12-week training camp provided an opportunity to maintain his fitness and work alongside other players who were also looking for their next move.

“It was really good. Obviously, for lads who are out of contract, you miss that proper football training and being around the lads,” he said.

“It was great for that. It was a 12-week camp, so it was massively beneficial.

“Without that, lads would be struggling to get that proper training. I think it's definitely kept me ready and sharp.”

The programme finished in mid-September, giving Keane a couple of weeks to train independently before joining Rovers.

He has welcomed the opportunity to return to a dressing room environment and believes the togetherness within McCann's squad will be important as the team looks to improve its results.

“It's been great to have that back,” he said. “They're a great bunch of lads and staff and I can tell they've got that togetherness.

“That's what we need to show now and come through this spell. Keep working hard for each other and I'm sure it'll come good.”