Doncaster likely to want Shiels back

Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels has all but given up hope of extending son Dean’s loan spell at Rugby Park.

The Killie manager had hoped to retain the services of the midfielder – who has impressed with six goals for the Ayrshire club – until the end of the season.

However, he is now prepared for the player to return to Doncaster Rovers when his loan deal ends on 16 January, having held talks with agent Willie McKay, who has a key role in transfers at the npower Championship club.

On the possibility of extending the deal, boss Shiels said: “I don’t think it’s going to happen, I really don’t. There is a lot of negative stuff coming out and it looks as though Doncaster are reluctant to let him stay.

“I was speaking to Willie McKay and they say they want him back. Dean’s keen to stay. It’s not dead in the water just yet, but it’s heading that way.”

Shiels added: “I’ve been looking at players who would be similar to Dean, but I need to make a commitment one way or another. We are running out of time now.”

The player’s contract with Doncaster is set to expire at the end of the season, but Kilmarnock boss Shiels admits the Ayrshire club would be unable to compete for his signature in the summer.

He said: “It depends on what opportunities he has. He will have loads of opportunities. There are a lot of clubs looking at him at the moment. We are not going to have him next season.”