'Glimpses of a good player' - Blackburn Rovers boss highlights Dennis' potential after debut

Blackburn Rovers coach John Eustace was encouraged by the performance of Emmanuel Dennis during his side's 2-0 loss to Premier League opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers in an Emirates FA Cup fourth round clash on Sunday afternoon.

The forward made his competitive first team debut, having had only a few training sessions with his new teammates at Blackburn Rovers after joining on a deadline-day loan from Nottingham Forest.

In a move very few people saw coming, Dennis was named in the starting lineup against Wolves and was in action for 66 minutes before making way for Cauley Woodrow.

The highlight of his performance came just before halftime when he came close to pulling a goal back, but saw his effort from a difficult angle saved at the near-post. 

Dennis was lively on the pitch, attempting a team-high three shots, while registering two key passes and completing two dribbles.

Speaking to RoversTV after the FA Cup fourth round exit to Wolverhampton Wanderers, John Eustace stated: "I thought Emmanuel showed glimpses of what a good player he can be. Augustus (Kargbo) was really good, really exciting.

"When we got the ball out to him I thought Yuri did well for his first start. He hasn't played for a while so to get 90 minutes into his leg was really pleasing."

After being inactive for more than nine months at first team level, Dennis finally got some game time ahead of upcoming matches in the Championship.

"Of course that was the whole point of the exercise, to make sure we were competitive and we were up against a good team and also give as many players as we could some vital minutes in their legs. We managed to get the balance right today," Eustace added.

Dennis is in contention to make his league debut for Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night when they travel to The Hawthorns for a showdown against West Brom.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com