Doncaster Rovers are set for a major blow as Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers are expected to recall loanee Connor O’Riordan.
Grant McCann’s side are currently 18th in League One and are enjoying a strong run of form after a difficult October.
However, this up-turn in form won’t be enough for the club to retain one of their key assets from the season so far.
Doncaster set for January blow
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Blackburn Rovers will be recalling Doncaster Rovers loanee Connor O’Riordan during the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old has been a vital part of Grant McCann’s side so far this season, so the news from the Championship will likely come as a major blow for the club.
According to the report, Blackburn are keen to bring O’Riordan back to Ewood Park in order to improve their defensive options heading into the second half of the Championship season.
How has he fared so far this season?
After joining on loan during the summer transfer window, O’Riordan has wasted little time in establishing himself as a first-team regular for the League One side.
Across all competitions, the 22-year-old has made 20 appearances for Doncaster during his season-long loan stint thus far, but is yet to contribute to a goal or assist.
However, he has helped to keep five clean sheets during his time with the League One side so far, but the end appears in sight for his time with the club.
Is a recall the correct decision?
In short, Blackburn are currently competing towards the bottom end of the Championship and have struggled to keep the ball out of the net at times, so it isn’t entirely surprising.
However, recalling him as an ‘option’ rather than a ‘starter’ might not necessarily sit well with O’Riordan’s development in terms of halting his regular minutes.
The news will understandably also be a huge blow for Doncaster and their respective aspirations for pulling away from the relegation zone and trying to cement themselves in the third tier once again.
Ultimately, the verdict on whether a recall is the right move isn’t something that will be clear until the end of the season, but it is certainly a risk from Blackburn.
