Doncaster Rovers have secured their second signing of the January transfer window with the loan arrival of Leicester City defender Ben Nelson.
Nelson, 18, joins Rovers after a spell with Rochdale, who are also in League Two.
The centre-back adds to a shortage of players in his position at the club considering head coach Danny Schofield prefers to use three central defenders. Recently, the coach, who was brought up in Doncaster, has had to play right wing-back Kyle Knoyle at right centre-back, however, Knoyle departed for league rivals Stockport County last week.
Doncaster Rovers Add Leicester City Defender Ben Nelson to Centre-Back Options
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Ben Nelson on loan from @LCFC for the remainder of the season
Welcome Ben#drfc https://t.co/dRSvU1WiA8
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) January 17, 2023
Danny Schofield Makes Second Rovers Signing
Nelson follows the addition of Brighton & Hove Albion winger Todd Miller, who is also on loan.
Both loan signings from the summer of 2022, Josh Andrews and Max Woltman have returned to their parent clubs Birmingham City and Liverpool, respectively, in recent days.
Nelson made 12 appearances during his stay further down the division at Rochdale, keeping the one clean sheet in a League Cup clash with Burton Albion. He has represented England at youth level and is yet to make his Leicester City debut.
The defender is Danny Schofield’s second signing as Rovers boss after taking over in October following Gary McSheffrey’s sacking.
Doncaster Rovers More Suitable Suggests New Arrival Ben Nelson
On joining Doncaster Rovers, Leicester City defender Ben Nelson told the club website: “I really like the style of play and the way that Doncaster likes to play suits me a lot in terms of my capabilities as a centre back.
“Switching things up is a good thing. I feel like this one suits me a lot more.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for me and it’s the next step in my development so I’m really happy.”
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Danny Schofield, experiencing his first transfer window at the club, added: “We watched him for a while, both at U21 and during his spell with Rochdale and we feel he can come in and make a real impact for us.
“He’s very young but he has lots of potential and we feel his attributes will benefit the way we want to play football.”
In December, Doncaster loaned out their own talented young defender in Bobby Faulkner, only for him to join the injury list in his second game out.
Joseph Olowu has suffered a number of injuries throughout the season, enhancing the need for more numbers in the position.
Rovers dropped to 12th after their trip to Crawley Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last weekend. They are due to host Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, January 21.
