Doncaster Rovers have added firepower and experience to their League One squad by signing striker James Collins on loan from Lincoln City until January, according to a report by BBC Sport.

A move built around rehabilitation

The deal is understood to be structured primarily around Collins continuing his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in December 2025, which cut short his involvement in Lincoln's promotion-winning campaign. The 35-year-old is not expected to be available for selection until November, meaning Doncaster are committing to several weeks of patient rehabilitation work before the forward becomes a match option.

Rovers manager Grant McCann was candid about the timeline when speaking to the club's official website. "We have to be patient with him," McCann said, before adding that he regards Collins as a "huge asset" once fully fit. McCann also pointed to the existing relationship between the two clubs as a factor in smoothing the arrangement. "I think we can help him and he can certainly help us. We have a good relationship with Lincoln City and this is a move that I believe benefits all parties," he said.

McCann confirmed that dialogue with Lincoln's medical department has been ongoing 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," the Doncaster boss added.

A striker with a remarkable record

Collins arrives with a career tally of more than 230 goals in all competitions, accumulated across a lengthy spell that has taken in Derby County, Luton Town, Cardiff City and Lincoln City among a string of clubs. A former Republic of Ireland international, he began his career as a youth player at Aston Villa before working his way up through the professional game to become one of the more prolific strikers outside the top two divisions.

His record speaks to a forward who knows how to find the net consistently at third-tier and Championship level, and Doncaster will be hoping that pedigree translates into goals once he is fully match-fit.

What it means for Doncaster

Rovers have already been active in the loan market this window, having previously brought in Villa's O'Reilly on a season-long deal. The addition of Collins represents a different kind of calculation: a short-term agreement designed to give a seasoned striker a platform to regain sharpness, while giving Doncaster an experienced option in attack for the second half of the loan window.

The arrangement suits all parties on paper. Lincoln, who have since been promoted and no longer operate in League One, are keen for Collins to play competitive football as part of his recovery rather than train exclusively at their facility. Doncaster, meanwhile, gain a striker whose goal-scoring record commands respect, albeit one they will need to manage carefully over the coming weeks.

With the loan running until January, McCann's side will have Collins available for what could be a pivotal stretch of the third-tier season. Whether he can return to his previous levels after a serious knee injury remains to be seen, but the Doncaster manager has made clear his confidence in the player's ability to contribute once the rehabilitation process is complete.

Frequently asked

Why has James Collins joined Doncaster Rovers on loan?
Collins is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he picked up in December 2025. Lincoln City are sending him to Doncaster so he can complete the final stages of his rehabilitation and regain match fitness.
How long is James Collins' loan at Doncaster?
The loan is set to run until January, according to BBC Sport. Collins is not expected to be available for selection until around November.
What is James Collins' goal-scoring record?
Collins has scored more than 230 goals in all competitions across a career that has included spells at Derby County, Luton Town, Cardiff City and Lincoln City. He is also a former Republic of Ireland international.