ROVERS have allowed defender Elliott Ward to join League One side MK Dons on loan.

The 33-year-old has made 15 appearances for Rovers this season but has started just one league  game, the 1-1 draw at Northampton Town on December 23, since the defeat to Oldham on October 14.

Ward won’t be available for Rovers’ trip to MK Dons on April 2.

The defender will move closer to his family base down south and will also provide an option for new MK Dons boss Dan Micciche who has also brought in Stoke City youngster Josh Tymon.

It is Rovers' second dealings with the League One side during the January window having made Paul Downing's switch from Stadium:MK permanent earlier this month. 

Ward was left out of the matchday squad for the draw with Northampton on Saturday with the last of his Rovers outings coming as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Rotherham United on New Year's Day.

With Darragh Lenihan nearing a return, and Derrick Williams being able to move in to central defence following the arrival of Amari'i Bell, Ward has been free to move on from Ewood Park.

That is however, likely to mean that youngster Scott Wharton won't be leaving before the January transfer window closes at 11pm tomorrow with Charlie Mulgrew currently out injured.

Ward, who has been restricted to just 23 starts in a Rovers shirt in two years because of injury, is out of contract in the summer.