The 31-year-old Jamaican international, who is married to pop star Jamelia, was snapped up on a free transfer after coming to the end of his contract at Bristol City who reached the Championship promotion play-off final last season.

Byfield finished top scorer in the league for City with eight goals in 17 starts and had an outstanding goals-to-starts ratio with each of his previous four clubs.

He notched 16 in 28 starts for Millwall, 19 in 54 for Gillingham, five in eight starts for Sunderland and 22 in 53 for Rotherham.

Rovers had to beat off several other clubs to sign him including Leeds United, Swansea and Millwall and manager Sean O'Driscoll revealed the speedy striker had turned down bigger wage offers from other clubs to come to the Keepmoat.

O'Driscoll said: "Since Richard O'Kelly and myself sat down and talked to Darren we have been nothing but impressed.

"He could have gone to a number of League One clubs and been better off financially but he wants to stay in the Championship and he wanted to come and play for us.

"We've told him there are no guarantees of a first team place but it made no difference.

"He's prepared to come here and work hard and he's happy to have us keep him on his toes.

"He had a problem with a manager at one of his previous clubs but everyone else we have spoken to has said his attitude is first class."

The Doncaster boss added: "There are quite a few free transfers on the list that would not suit us. But signing a player like Darren who is proven at this level was too good to miss.

"We have quite a few quick players at the club but probably nobody with his pace and he's a striker who always looks to have goals in him."

O'Driscoll is still hopeful of sealing a deal for Manchester City defender Matt Mills but has no indication as yet of whether the Premier League club is willing to release him.

He said: "I'm meeting his agent later in the week to see what the situation is.

"Ideally I would like it to be concluded one way or the other by the end of the week but, who knows, it could drag on for another fortnight."

Midfield ace Ritchie Wellens was hoping to have a run out against Scunthorpe but is suffering from tonsillitis but O'Driscoll will use all the other players at his disposal for this game and the friendly at Morecambe next Tuesday night.

* Rovers will hold their annual Open Day at the Keepmoat on Sunday from 10am to 4pm when one of the highlights will be a full first team training session.