Darren Ferguson says the signing of Shane Blaney is part of the club’s strategy to nurture young players.
The Irish centre-back completed a move from League of Ireland side Finn Harps this week, and will be added to the pool of players available for the Development side.
Ferguson said: “We’re trying to build within the squad, we want to have a strong Development squad next season with players who fall between the youth and the first team.
“I’m keen on adding more younger players to it, we are thinking not just for the short-term but for the long-term as well.”
The Rovers boss was keen to stress that the 18-year-old will be given time to settle into life in England, but reckons he could be in line to feature for the Development squad in February.
He added: “Because the League of Ireland season finished in October he is spending the first week with the fitness coaches.
“He is one to put away for the future, to let him get up to speed then see where we are.”