Forgotten Middlesbrough man backed for “key” role under Rob Edwards | OneFootball

Middlesbrough's Darragh Lenihan could flourish under Rob Edwards' back three system as he returns from injury.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Darragh Lenihan has been backed to force his way into Rob Edwards’ plans at Middlesbrough after his injury nightmare over the past few years.

The Irishman joined the Teesside outfit from Blackburn on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, in a deal that was considered a coup, as Lenihan had impressed for Rovers.

However, his time at Boro has not gone to plan, with Lenihan’s last competitive appearance coming in September 2023, after a major ankle issue was followed up by a lengthy Achilles issue.

Pleasingly, Lenihan did return to full fitness during the run-in of the previous campaign, as he made the bench for the final few games, so he is ready to hit the ground running in pre-season.

Of course, a lot has changed at Boro in that period, with Edwards having succeeded Michael Carrick in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium.

That is expected to bring a change in formation, as the ex-Luton chief is expected to go with a back three, as he has done at Forest Green, Watford and with the Hatters in his short managerial career.

So, Edwards will need players suited to that, and Lenihan could be ideally suited to the central centre-back role due to his physicality and the way he organises his teammates.

FLW's Boro fan pundit, Liam Day, certainly feels that way, as when asked by FLW about Lenihan’s suitability for Edwards’ formation, he explained that the 31-year-old could be like a new signing and that he could quickly emerge as a key figure in the XI moving forward.

“I think he could be really key this season if I’m honest. He’s a really good player, has experience, and captained Blackburn previously.

“Lenihan was just really unfortunate with injuries last season, but he is a quality player, and, at 31, he is not too old. If you put him in the centre of a back three, he will do a brilliant job.

“We needed leaders last season and we didn’t really have any. There was Johnny Howson, but he kept getting injured, so if we can keep Lenihan fit, I think he could easily become a very key player in the squad.

"At the bare minimum, he will be a squad player, but I think he will start most games.

“There is a need for a new centre-back, but Lenihan offers cover. Whereas, last season we didn’t have much, so he does feel like a new signing.”

Darragh Lenihan’s return is a welcome boost for Middlesbrough

Firstly, it’s great for Lenihan that he is available for selection after such a difficult two years, and he deserves huge credit for showing the mental strength to bounce back from that.

Now, it’s about trying to get back into the team, and he does seem ideally suited to a back three for various reasons.

His ability to organise and lead will be appreciated, and arguably the one weakness in his game, which is his lack of pace, can be covered in that formation.

Obviously Edwards will have his own ideas in mind, and he will not rush Lenihan back, but if the defender returns to anywhere near the levels he had shown for Blackburn and Boro, it will be a major boost for Middlesbrough.