Colin Coates made his N Ireland debut against Italy last year

Doncaster Rovers are keen on bringing Crusaders duo Colin Coates and Jordan Owens to the Championship club.

Northern Ireland defender Coates has turned down a trial with Rovers and only a bid of £100,000 plus would see him leave the Irish League side.

"Put in an offer and we will talk," said Crusaders chairman Stephen Bell.

Owens could go to Doncaster for a trial while the 21-year-old striker and Coates have also been linked with League One club Tranmere Rovers.

Doncaster assistant boss Richard O'Kelly watched the pair in action on Monday night in a friendly against St Mirren at Seaview.

"Richard O'Kelly spoke to me briefly but we will have to wait and see if anything happens," Bell told the News Letter.

"Colin Coates is 24, an international and as far as we are concerned beyond a trial.

"Owens is young and probably keen to go on trial but with the season about to start it could be difficult. I would be concerned about him going and getting injured.

"Tranmere have also made it known they are interested in Owens and suggested a trial but have not come back to us. I think they are also watching the Coates situation.

"But we are in a similar situation to last season when Leeds came in (for Coates) and nothing came of it and the players are not getting their hopes up."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version