With the new season over a month away, Rovers have continued handing out summers deals by extending the contract of indispensable central defender, Darragh Lenihan.
The 24-year old, who was key, during the final few months of last season’s promotion campaign sees his future at Ewood Park prolonged by an extra 4-years, until the summer of 2022. After missing a majority of the 2017-18 season due to a metatarsal injury, the Irishman fought his way back and reinstated himself as a valuable member of Tony Mowbray’s backline.
In addition to his brilliant club form, Lenihan was able to catch the eye of Republic of Ireland boss, Martin O’Neill, who rewarded the defender’s displays with his first international cap, alongside fellow Rover, Derrick Williams.
After his long injury lay-off, Lenihan managed to play in, a respectable 14 games, which included his only goal of the season, which came on the final day against Oxford United, in-front of a packed Ewood Park crowd.
Following the extension of his stay at Rovers, the media team interviewed Lenihan as he spoke of his delight at being offered the opportunity to extend his stay.
“I’m delighted to have signed a new deal at Rovers as it puts my mind at ease and allows me to solely concentrate on my football and get myself ready for the new season, which I’m looking forward to. From my perspective, there was no doubt in me, not extending my stay at the club, as the connection that I have with the players, the staff and the fans is invaluable to me. The gaffer has helped me a lot, in settling me down as a centre-half, rather than a central midfielder and his experience and help has been brilliant since he’s come in. Although I’m delighted to have achieved my Ireland debut last season, the hard work starts now for me, as if I’m not performing for Blackburn, I’m not going to get re-called into the Ireland squad.”
With Darragh’s words noted, the media team wasted no time in getting the manager’s reaction to the new deal.
“Darragh’s extension is another step closer to completing the jigsaw that we’re striving for. We’ve been in talks with Darragh and his agent since the end of last season and I’m delighted to see him accept our offer. I think he’s an important cog in our side as he allows us to play higher up the pitch, due to his great mobility, desire and strength, but saying that, he needs to get his career going by playing week in, week out and I think he sees this club as a platform for him to achieve his ambitions, however if he is unable to achieve his aims whilst at the club, his talent could see him go for a high price. Once he got himself fit last season, he was thrown back into the team straight away because his talents were something we were lacking at the back and hopefully with more game time under his belt, he can churn out consistent positive performances which can help us achieve our collective goals.”
