Ireland Under-21 international backed for big things by Paul Lambert

It might be too soon to think about Euro 2016 but don't be surprised to see Darragh Lenihan become a mainstay in Ireland senior squads in years to come.

The versatile Blackburn Rovers midfielder has been tipped for success by manager Paul Lambert after shining in the club's 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night. Lenihan, 21, came off the bench with his side trailing 1-0 to QPR and his efforts didn't go unnoticed by Lambert who praised him in his post-match interview. "Darragh is only a young kid but he’s certainly knocking on the door for a start, that’s for sure," Lambert told the Lancashire Telegraph. "I thought Darragh was excellent when he came on in midfield and excellent when he went to centre-half. "I think he's got a decent chance of being a really good footballer." Lenihan, a former Belvedere youth player, is finally being given his chance to show his talents in the Championship after being sent out on loan to Burton Albion last season where he made 17 appearances, scoring once.