Michael Carrick has posted a positive update on Island defender Darragh Lenihan's bid to return to fitness.
Lenihan has made just eight Championship appearances since the start of last season.
It's been a tough 18 months for the Dunboyne native. Sidelined since September 2023 with an ankle injury that saw him go under the knife, he looked to have put that nightmare behind him when he returned in pre-season and scored in a friendly against Gateshead.
However, he was soon back on the treatment table with an achiles problem.
Yet to return to training with the rest of the first-team, there is a glimmer of light for the Meathman, according to his manager Carrick.
"Darragh is working his way back and at the moment it's largely positive," said the Boro boss, who was asked if Lenihan might feature in any of the remaining eight games this season.
"We'll give him the time and be patient, so we'll see. There's still half a chance," Carrick replied.
Lenihan has been capped four times at senior international level for Ireland.
A former Under-21 captain, he made his senior debut in a 2018 friendly win against the USA, becoming the first player from Meath to play for Ireland at the top level.
After nine seasons and more than 250 appearances for Blackburn, he moved to Middlesbrough ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
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