Lenihan continues to impress for Rovers

Fergal Lynch

Published: Thu 30 Dec 2021, 12:24 PM

Dunboyne man Darragh Lenihan continues to lead the way for Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship as he donned the captain's armband and led his side to a sixth straight win with a 2-1 victory over Barnsley last night.

Lenihan has been outstanding for Blackburn in recent weeks and manager Tony Mowbray was singing the Dunboyne man's's praises, hailing him as a "special player" after the 4-0 hammering of Birmingham last month.

“I think defensively we looked pretty strong. I think we’ve got a real determination about trying to keep clean sheets. I need to mention Lenihan who has got the added responsibility of captain, leadership and he’s showing that," remarked the manager.

"He’s standing like a man mountain. Delighted for Darragh. He’s right at the top of his game. You can just tell by the way he plays on the front foot. He’s towering over people six inches taller than him, his passing looks so assured, long passing.

"He’s got clear pictures in his mind I think of how we want to play and what his job is. He’s a special footballer."

In eight games since their 7-0 drubbing by Fulham in November, Blackburn have conceded just three goals and have kept five consecutive league clean sheets for the first time since the 1996/97 season with Lenihan central to the form that has seen Rovers climb to second place in the Championship table.

In the Premier League Bettystown's Evan Ferguson was named on the bench for a number for Brighton's fixtures over the festive period. He was an unused substitute last night as the Seagulls held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.

In Scotland Athboy's Jamie McGrath returned from injury to play in St Mirren's last Premiership game of the year when they lost 0-2 to Rangers on St Stephen's Day.

McGrath had had missed the midweek draw with Celtic, but returned to midfield where he lasted 74 minutes before being replaced in the loss.