On October 12,2011, Kirkland joined nPower Championship Doncaster Rovers on loan until January after attracting interest from new manager Dean Saunders, however less than a week into his loan spell, Kirkland was sent back to parent club Wigan following another back spasm.
Kirkland was sent back to parent club Wigan following another back spasm. This was however. This was on October 12,2011, Kirkland joined nPower Championship Doncaster Rovers on loan until January after. This was on October 12,2011, Kirkland was attracting interest from new manager Dean Saunders less than a week into his loan spell.