Lenihan back in the fold as Boro favourite says farewell

DARRAGH Lenihan could play his first competitive game in almost two years as Middlesbrough host Sheffield United today, with the defender coming through a full week’s worth of training ahead of the match.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Lenihan had hoped to put injury woes behind him this summer and started the friendlies looking strong before a muscle injury suffered late in the defeat at Bradford forced him to miss the first three Championship games of the season.

It came after missing the entirety of last term with Achilles problems which occurred as he tried to return from ankle surgery which he underwent in September 2023.

But having been back in training since late last week, the experienced centre-back boosts Boro's options ahead of the Blades’ visit, with Riley McGree and Alex Bangura now the only players on Boro’s injury list.

Edwards confirmed: “Darragh has been training now for a week and a half or so. He's available now, so we're in a good spot selection wise. He’s a top player. He's obviously had a difficult period but he was looking really good in preseason for us.

“He’s not missed too long, which is good. He had a good solid four weeks of work with us. It's great to have him back on the training pitch. He's another leader, he's a really good player, he gives us another fantastic option. We're really pleased”