Blackburn Rovers could have handed Doncaster Rovers the key to League One success | OneFootball

Doncaster Rovers supporters are no strangers to Connor O'Riordan.

Doncaster Rovers supporters are no strangers to Connor O'Riordan.

The young Blackburn Rovers defender netted a brace against Grant McCann's men during his time with Crewe Alexandra, and has now returned to Sky Bet League One for a season-long loan spell at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Doncaster Rovers new man has hit the ground running

The young centre-back put in a man of the match performance on his debut, as Rovers beat Exeter City in a game that was more convincing than the 1-0 scoreline suggests.

O'Riordan was solid in defence and dealt with everything that came his way, dominating aerially in a display that made a strong first impression on the Doncaster faithful.

The 6ft4in defender came through the ranks at Crewe before being snapped up by Blackburn in January 2024. He has since returned to Alexandra on loan alongside a spell in League One with the since-relegated Cambridge United.

Now, Blackburn have potentially given Doncaster one of the keys to success they will need for the new season, providing a young, athletic, and talented option to the squad.

Despite his age, O'Riordan has over 100 senior appearances and brings an assurance to the Doncaster back-line for their return campaign in the third tier.

The Republic of Ireland youth international had impressed in pre-season, but his official debut outing for McCann's side has provided a greater insight into just what he can provide Rovers throughout the upcoming term.

O'Riordan has provided defensive rock to Grant McCann

The Blackburn loanee not only claimed the in-stadium man of the match award, but, according to Fotmob data, won 75% of his aerial duels, notched five recoveries, and hit three accurate long balls in his debut.

It was a performance that set in motion excitement over just what O'Riordan could bring to a Doncaster side who are keen to punch above their weight on their return to League One.

The towering defender's brace against Rovers in November 2023 was not the only time he found the back of the net against his new employees, as he also scored in a 1-1 draw during his loan return to Crewe.

O'Riordan has all the attributes to be a defensive cornerstone for Rovers, not least in his imposing stature, but also through his exciting first appearance in the South Yorkshire club's colours.

His occasional goalscoring credentials come as a welcome boost, allowing McCann to lean into plays such as corners with such a good header of the ball now at his disposal.

Each team needs a strong defence, and with the likes of loanee O'Riordan, Doncaster have the makings of that. He paired nicely with fellow new recruit Matty Pearson on his debut, while Jay McGrath, former Crystal Palace youngster Sean Grehan, and sometimes make-shift centre-back Owen Bailey could all provide good company.

Goals are important, but without a solid foundation on which to build, a successful season is impossible. O'Riordan has already shown early signs that he could well be the man to provide that at the heart of Doncaster's defence.