“Really exciting” – Everything Blackburn Rovers head coach said about Emmanuel Dennis on his debut

Blackburn Rovers head coach, John Eustace, was pleased with Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Dennis, on his debut for the club despite their FA Cup exit, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old versatile attacker, before joining Rovers, last kicked a ball for club and country in April 2024, during his loan spell with Watford. He made his return to action on Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup where his side lost 2-0.

It was not the start of life at Ewood Park Dennis was hoping for as he was withdrawn at the 66th minute, but his coach felt otherwise, revealing that there were positive glimpses of things to come from the former Club Brugge man.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

“I thought Emmanuel [Dennis] 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.

“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,” the Blackburn Rovers coach said in his post-match presser.

Dennis played 25 games for Nottingham Forest, scoring two goals before falling out of favour with the club. He spent the final six months of last season with Watford in the EFL Championship before returning to the City Ground.

Fighting for his place under Nuno Espirito Santo didn't work out for the first six months of this season, and the Nigerian jetted out on another loan to Blackburn Rovers in a bid to avoid jeopardising his football career.

Dennis could make his league debut on Wednesday in the EFL Championship clash between Blackburn Rovers and Semi Ajayi's West Bromwich Albion.

The Albions are just two points above the Rovers in the league standings, and the tie on Wednesday is poised to be one with high stakes.