Doncaster sign Lincoln striker Collins on loan

Doncaster Rovers have signed Lincoln City's James Collins on loan until January to help with the striker's recovery from knee surgery.

The 35-year-old has been out since December 2025, when he suffered the anterior cruciate ligament injury that curtailed his impact on the Imps' League One promotion-winning campaign.

Lincoln are sending the former Republic of Ireland international to Doncaster to gain fitness. He is expected to return to action in November.

Doncaster boss Grant McCann said the club will "have to be patient" with the former Derby County, Luton Town and Cardiff City forward, who he sees as being a "huge asset".

Collins has scored more than 230 goals in all competitions in a prolific and expansive career that started with Aston Villa as a youth player.

"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," McCann told the club website., external

"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."