Darragh Lenihan has been unveiled as a Middlesbrough player after turning down the offer of a new contract with Rovers.

It was revealed earlier this month that the Rovers captain had turned down the offer of a new deal at Ewood Park to sign for Middlesbrough.

With the 28-year-old having returned from holiday following his time away with the Republic of Ireland squad, Boro announcing Lenihan’s signing on a four-year deal.

He leaves Rovers after more than a decade and over 250 appearances for the club, his last season having been spent as club captain.

The central defender has been a mainstay of the side since 2017, with his debut having come in April 2015.

Rovers had offered Lenihan a new deal befitting of his importance and value to the club, but he opted for a new challenge at the Riverside under boss Chris Wilder.

Wilder has been a long-term admirer of Lenihan, having tried to sign him during his time with Sheffield United.

He now has his man on a permanent transfer, with Lenihan following former Rovers loanee Ryan Giles in signing for Boro.

Lenihan, who had a loan spell with Burton Albion in 2015, played 252 times for the club, scoring 10 goals.

Boro boss Wilder said: “I've been a huge admirer of Darragh for a long time, in terms of his qualities he brings as a player, as a person, as a competitor, as a warrior, and a leader of men.

“I'm putting a bit on him but I know he can handle it. He's a proper football player and I'm delighted.”

TAKE OUT A SUBSCRIPTION...

Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription with a one month FREE trial