[2] He previously played at Blackburn Rovers, from where he spent time on loan with Milton Keynes Dons and Leyton Orient before joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2011 where he would remain there until his departure in 2024.

He was involved in 2008–09 pre-season matches against Macclesfield Town and NAC Breda, and was given the squad number 39 by manager Paul Ince.

After Allardyce was removed from his position by Rovers' new owners, Venkys, Steve Kean listed Doran as a substitute in his first game as Blackburn's new manager.

[10] On 25 January 2011, Doran signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle on-loan for the final six months of the 2010–11 SPL season.

[12] He made his debut the day after signing his loan deal, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Stuart Duff in a 2–0 defeat at home to Aberdeen.

On his first club start, Doran helped Inverness beat Morton 5–1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, making two 'assists'.

Doran was highly praised by manager Terry Butcher after the 3–0 victory over Rangers on Halloween 2012, in the 2012–13 League Cup quarter-finals.

"[18] After a good November, which included wins against Kilmarnock, Celtic and Aberdeen, Doran, along with Butcher and McKay, won the SPL Monthly awards.

[30] On 1 January 2015, Doran scored twice and set up a goal for Billy Mckay in the Highland derby, in a 3–1 win over Ross County.

[31] Doran was soon on the sidelines that put him out of action with a groin injury[32] and made his return to the first team, coming on as a substitute for Nick Ross in the 73rd-minute, in a 2–1 loss against Motherwell on 28 February 2015.

[39] In February 2015, Doran and teammate Danny Devine were fined £40 fixed penalty notices after causing a late-night disturbance.