Rovers have activated a 24-hour release clause to recall Dave Syers from Scunthorpe in time for him to play against Stevenage.
The 26-year-old has been in impressive form for the Iron, scoring five goals in 15 appearances and playing a key role in United’s rise to the top of League Two.
But Doncaster’s lack of goals, injury and unavailability problems, as well as ongoing uncertainty over Richie Wellens’ future, have prompted boss Paul Dickov to recall Syers - and almost certainly hand him an olive branch in tomorrow’s FA Cup third round tie with Stevenage.
Rovers barred the midfielder from playing for Scunthorpe in their FA Cup first round defeat to Grimsby.
And in hindsight that now appears to be a wise decision with Rovers set to be without Wellens, an injured Theo Robinson and also Federico Macheda, who has returned to Manchester United to be assessed following the end of his loan deal, for the visit of League One’s bottom side.
Syers is known to want to test himself at the highest level and will look to grab any opportunity he gets to impress at Doncaster with both hands.
His route to the first team has thus far been blocked by Wellens, who is the midfielder that Dickov has given licence to get forward.
Rovers’ boss has preferred to play a more defensive minded midfielder next to Wellens, immediately limiting Syers’ chances.
But Wellens’ protracted contract talks over an extended deal appear to have re-opened the door for Syers to make his mark on the first team.
Syers’ loan deal at Scunthorpe was due to expire on January 11 - and Iron chairman Peter Swann has told the Scunthorpe Telegraph they will do everything in their power to take him back to Glanford Park.
“It’s whatever his parent club want to do,” said Swann.
“If they decide he isn’t really needed amongst their set-up, there will be other clubs in for him, I’m absolutely certain of that.
“We’ll be there and hopefully the fact that he has been with us and knows the lads just might help him make the decision to come here.
“But we understand Dave wants to play at the highest level and in the end, it’s really between him and Doncaster as to where he goes.”