Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann believes Charlie Crew will soon show his full potential after a stop-start beginning to his second loan spell from Leeds United.
The 18-year-old midfielder, currently away on duty with Wales Under-21s, has featured only 3 times in League One this season, but McCann is confident that once the international schedule eases, the youngster will begin to make a bigger impact for Rovers.
McCann Confident In Crew’s Progress
Crew impressed during a short loan spell at the Eco-Power Stadium in the second half of last season, starting 11 League Two matches as Doncaster climbed the table under McCann’s guidance. His performances convinced Leeds United and Rovers to agree a renewed loan deal for the 2025–26 campaign, offering him the chance to test himself a division higher.
©️ Charlie Crew 🤝 @Cymru
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: Captained Wales Under-21s
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: Captained Wales Under-19s
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯: Captained Wales Under-17s#LUFCYouth | #LUFC pic.twitter.com/qhX4XKNghf— LUFC Youth (@leedsutdacademy) October 14, 2025
However, with Wales Under-21 fixtures disrupting his rhythm, Crew has struggled to find consistent minutes since returning. McCann says that period of adjustment is now ending, and he expects the midfielder’s form to lift once he rejoins the squad after the current international break.
“We’ve had conversations with Leeds and with Charlie and his agents,” said McCann. “When the November international break passes, I think we’ll start to see a more polished Charlie Crew.
“He’s training very well, he’s got a great attitude and he wants to do well. Once things settle, I think we’ll see the all-round player we know he can be.”
The Doncaster manager drew comparisons with former loanee Patrick Kelly, who joined from West Ham United last season and blossomed in the second half of the campaign once his own international schedule eased.
Kelly made 15 league starts for Rovers before earning a summer move to Barnsley.
🏴 Congratulations to Charlie Crew on starting his first senior international game for Wales this evening#LUFCYouth | #LUFC pic.twitter.com/E8sPIP6IaS
— LUFC Youth (@leedsutdacademy) September 9, 2025
Leeds Keeping Close Watch On Midfielder
Crew remains highly rated by Leeds United and is viewed as one of the brightest prospects in their academy. His ability to dictate play from deep and his comfort on the ball have made him a standout performer for Wales at youth level, where he continues to captain the side.
McCann confirmed that communication between the clubs has been constant, with both parties keen to ensure the teenager’s development remains on track. With no further Wales camps scheduled until March, Crew is expected to have an uninterrupted run of domestic fixtures over the winter period, giving him the platform to rediscover his momentum.
Doncaster, meanwhile, are looking to climb the League One table after an inconsistent start to the season. McCann believes the return of his young loanee could provide fresh energy to the squad’s midfield options, particularly with the fixture list set to intensify heading into December.
Crew’s situation underlines a broader challenge for EFL clubs developing young international talent, balancing club opportunities with national commitments. For Doncaster and Leeds alike, the hope is that a settled run of games after the break will allow the Welsh midfielder to recapture the influence that made his first loan spell such a success.
