Former Birmingham City midfielder Charlie Lakin has joined Doncaster Rovers on loan from current club Burton Albion.
The move sees Lakin step down a division from League One to League Two.
The 23-year-old, primarily a central midfielder, will be expecting more minutes with Rovers than he has managed with the Brewers this campaign – playing just 14 minutes of league football.
Doncaster Rovers Sign Former Birmingham City Midfielder Charlie Lakin on Loan Until End of Season
🔴⚪ We are pleased to confirm the signing of midfielder Charlie Lakin on loan from @burtonalbionfc for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign. #DRFChttps://t.co/I9P6cig1uz
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) January 27, 2023
Lakin Signing Follows Exit of Captain Adam Clayton
Rovers have been left a number short in midfield over the last week following Adam Clayton’s unsurprising exit for Bradford City.
Clayton appeared not to suit head coach Danny Schofield’s style of play, with Schofield replacing Gary McSheffrey mid-season.
It was imperative for Schofield to sign a replacement in Rovers’ thin squad and in the former Birmingham City midfielder, Lakin, he has.
Lakin has trained with Doncaster Rovers at their Cantley Park base this week and impressed enough to convince them to sign him.
He has experience in League Two, scoring two goals in 20 games whilst on loan at Stevenage in 2019/20.
Read More: Leicester City Defender Completes Doncaster Rovers Loan Move
Lakin to Provide Competition for In-Form Duo
Upon signing, Lakin told the club website: “I’m delighted to get it done and I can’t wait to get going.
“My aim is to play consistently. I want to play as many games as I can and also help the team get into the top seven.”
Rovers are targeting promotion this campaign and currently sit 12th, four points off the play-off places with a game in hand.
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Head coach Danny Schofield added: “It adds competition for places in that area of (the) pitch which was something we were looking to do. Charlie will come in and do that.
“We wanted to improve in numbers and competition for Ben Close, Harrison Biggins and Liam Ravenhill. It’s great competition.”
Both Biggins and Close have been on good form lately, notably when the pair were on the scoresheet in a 4-3 win over Rochdale recently.
Lavin will wear the number 23 shirt at the Eco-Power stadium.
He is the fifth signing of Schofield’s first transfer window in charge, they include Brighton & Hove Albion winger Todd Miller and former Sheffield United striker Caolan Lavery.
Doncaster are due to travel to Mansfield Town on Saturday, January 28, after having their last two games postponed due to frozen pitches. If they are to achieve their ambitions, consistent results are now needed.
