He started the 2008–09 season well by coming off the bench to get the late winners at Blackpool, Peterborough United, and Coventry City. However he was then struck down by an Achilles injury. On the November loan window deadline day, he joined Doncaster Rovers on a one-month loan with a view to a permanent deal. He came on as a substitute for his Rovers debut against Watford and scored with his first touch to give his new team a 1–1 draw. However, he suffered a torn calf muscle in training and returned to Ashton Gate. He returned to Rovers permanently for an undisclosed fee in January 2009, penning a two and a half year deal despite not being fully fit. He was initially expected to be rested for two weeks, but soon found himself out of action on a long-term basis after requiring an operation to fix an ankle injury.