Doncaster Rovers have secured the loan signing of Scotland international goalkeeper Zander Clark from Heart of Midlothian for the remainder of the season, the clubs confirmed.
The 33-year-old shot-stopper arrives at the Eco-Power Stadium to bring extensive Scottish Premiership and international experience to the League One side.
Clark, who has earned four caps for Scotland and was part of the Euro 2024 squad, moves south after finding his first-team opportunities at Tynecastle Park limited this season. He joins a Doncaster side looking to stabilise, with his arrival coinciding with the departure of veteran goalkeeper Ian Lawlor, who left on a free transfer for Crewe Alexandra.
The player expressed his eagerness for the new challenge. “I’m delighted to be here,” Clark told the Doncaster website. “From hearing of the interest, it was done quickly. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind few days… This will be a different sort of test for me, having been in Scotland for 17 years and I’m really looking forward to it.”.
Clark brings a wealth of experience, having spent 15 seasons in Scotland’s top flight with St Johnstone before his four-year stint at Hearts, where he made 76 appearances in maroon.
Doncaster’s goalkeeping coach, Kyle Letheren, who previously faced Clark as a player, was enthusiastic about the acquisition. “Zander has got great experience in Scotland… He’s a big presence, he kicks the ball a long way and he’s a great shot stopper. We can really lean on his experience,” Letheren said.
He emphasised the rarity of the signing, noting, “I think it’s a great signing in a January window – you don’t often get the chance to sign an international goalkeeper at League One level and that’s exactly what we’re getting.”.
For Clark, the move represents a crucial opportunity for regular playing time, which could bolster his ambitions to be part of the Scotland setup for the upcoming World Cup. Everyone at Heart of Midlothian wished the goalkeeper the best of luck for his spell in England.