Updated at 14.35
ALMOST TWO YEARS since he joined the club, Brian Lenihan made his debut for Hull City this afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship.
Lenihan was named to start at right-back for Hull’s away game against already-relegated Bolton Wanderers.
With just two games remaining, automatic promotion back to the Premier League is out of reach for Hull but they are guaranteed a spot in the play-offs.
And Steve Bruce’s side were ultimately left disappointed, as they were beaten 1-0, after a 65th-minute goal by substitute Stephen Dobbie earned his side the win.
But despite being on the losing side, Lenihan caught the eye, making one important goal-line clearance during the game.
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Having impressed during his time with Cork City, Lenihan joined Steve Bruce’s side on a three-year deal in August 2014 for a fee reported to be in the region of £200,000.
However, he has had to be patient in waiting for his chance to make an impression, with his progress hampered by a knee injury last season.
The 21-year-old played twice during a loan spell with Blackpool but today’s game against Bolton will mark his first full appearance for the Tigers.
“We’ve got a few options but Brian has trained with us all week and he’s done well,” manager Steve Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail ahead of this afternoon’s game.
“It’s not been an easy 18 months for him with injuries but he’s come back and played eight or nine games for the under-21s. He’s big, quick and aggressive, a typical Irish lad, as tough as they come. He’s going to be a very good young player, who’s got a bright future in the game.”
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Lenihan has played for the Republic of Ireland at U19 and U21 level. He was called up to the senior squad in October 2014 but wasn’t capped.
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
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