OWEN Coyle admits seeing the development of Blackburn Rovers’ academy graduates gives him a great deal of satisfaction as he promises to keep blooding the club’s young talent.

Darragh Lenihan put in a man of the match display in his 50th Rovers outing in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield, which also saw Ryan Nyambe make his full Championship debut.

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The defensive pair were joined by fellow academy graduate Jason Lowe in the starting line-up, with Coyle having already handed opportunities to development squad players Scott Wharton and Conor Mahoney this season.

Coyle admits he inherited a ‘shell’ of a squad when taking over in the summer, and despite recruiting 12 players in all, he admits the development of the young players is giving him plenty of encouragement.

“Although we have had to bring a lot of players to the club, it’s always nice to see the Lenihans, the Jason Lowes and the Nyambes, that are part of the fabric of Blackburn Rovers, performing well.

“That gives me a lot of satisfaction.

“It was also great to get Ryan (Nyambe) in the team on Saturday.

“Even if you’re a young player, if you’re good enough you’ll get your chance in the team.

“I have shown that throughout my career wherever I’ve been and that will be the same here – if you’re good enough, you’ll be in the team.”

Lenihan marked his 50th game with an excellent display in the heart of the Rovers defence.

He is building something of an encouraging partnership alongside the experienced Charlie Mulgrew, with the duo set to play alongside each other for the fourth consecutive game at Preston this weekend.

The 22-year-old, who made his Rovers debut in April 2015, had played much of his football for the club in the centre of midfield.

But Coyle believes it could be in central defence where Lenihan forges himself a career.

He added: “I inherited Darragh as a midfielder and I think he did fine in midfield.

“But my perception was that he would be really good seeing the game in front of him.

“He’s brave, he puts his head in, makes blocks, and when he comes out with the ball he’s very composed.

“Him and Charlie Mulgrew look very good together, and we’ve still got (Tommie) Hoban and (Gordon) Greer to come back in.

“It was his 50th appearance but he continues to get better.

“If he keeps listening and learning then I think he’s set for a very big career.”

Meanwhile, teenager Ramirez Howarth has extended his loan with Evo-Stik Division One North side Bamber Bridge for a further month.

The 19-year-old attacker, who initially joined in November, has played four times and scored one goal for the non-leaguers.