Former Northern Ireland star knows 'it's going to be hard' after signing his son at League One club

Doncaster chief McCann, who was born in Belfast, made 39 international appearances and finished his playing career in the Premiership during a short stint at Linfield before moving into management with Peterborough United.

His son Bayley has followed in Grant’s footsteps by forging his own path in professional football and has now signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Rovers, where he’ll work under his father.

Bayley earned his maiden Northern Ireland U21 cap last year after being called up by Tommy Wright and joins Doncaster from Barnsley, but will remain on loan at Alfreton Town until the end of this season.

McCann Sr knows the pressure Bayley will be under given their relationship, but he has full faith the 20-year-old will show his quality.

“It’s going to be hard for him as well because I think people from the outside looking in will be thinking ‘he’s bringing his son in’,” McCann told the club’s website. “He’ll show the reason why when he gets his opportunity.

"That’s up to him. It’s not up to me to judge him. It’s for the staff, the players and the supporters when they eventually see him, which will probably now be next season at some point.

“He’ll show what he’s all about. It’s not really for me here to try to sell it to anybody. It’s like any player that comes in - they’ve got to show the fans what they’re about and I have no doubt he’ll do that.

“We see Bayley in the bracket of a development player that can come in and make a real impact in this group in time.

“Bayley is progressing well. We made his senior debut for Barnsley and played two or three games for them and he’s had good loans at Peterborough Sports and Alfreton.

“He’ll stay with Alfreton for now and continue his development but we felt with the coaching staff we have here, we can develop him further and get him ready in time for our first team."

Bayley has joined Doncaster alongside fellow Northern Ireland U21 international Darren Robinson, who came through the ranks at Dungannon Swifts before moving to Derby County.

Robinson recently enjoyed a loan spell in the League of Ireland with St Patrick’s Athletic and penned a contract at Doncaster after impressing during a trial period.

“He’ll be a good signing for us will Darren,” said McCann. “I’ve watched him numerous times for Northern Ireland U21 and he’s captained a good team there.

“After his spell in Ireland we’ve had him in for two or three weeks to have a look at him and him have a look at us and I think he’ll fit us perfectly.

“He’s a good size, he’s aggressive, he can handle the ball and he’s a really good character. He’ll mature and grow and it’s a great match for us.”