Tony Mowbray has described Brad Lyons as an "absolute warrior" after the midfielder featured in Blackburn Rovers' first-team squad for the first time last night.
Former Coleraine midfielder Lyons was promoted from Blackburn's development squad for the Championship clash against Rotherham.
Lyons was an unused substitute as Rovers earned a dramatic injury time victory, with Adam Armstrong scoring a 97th minute winner.
"I think he warranted it," Mowbray said when asked about Lyons' call-up.
"Obviously the numbers dictated it a little bit, to be honest. Tom Trybull was touch and go because he's been ill and I was a bit worried that the after effects of his illness might have drained him.
"I thought Brad deserved his chance. He's scored five goals in his last three or four games for the U23s. He's an absolute warrior.
"So we put him on the bench and he totally warranted it. Brad Lyons is a diamond of a kid who would run through a brick wall for anybody."
Lyons, 23, has been starring for Blackburn's development squad this season, scoring five goals in his last five matches including a double against Liverpool last Saturday.
Last night is the first time he has featured in Mowbray's matchday squad since joining from Coleraine in 2018.
Blackburn have been assessing potential loan moves for Lyons to continue his development, but after last night's call-up he may remain at Ewood Park beyond January.
