Tri-national attacking fullback Leo Duru made his senior debut for Blackburn Rovers in their 6-1 hammering of Stockport County in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night at Edgeley Park.

The 19-year-old defender qualifies to represent the national teams of Nigeria, England and United States but is uncapped as of now.

Last season, Duru received four call-ups for Championship matches but was not utilized off the bench by manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.

With Blackburn Rovers four goals up and the game all but won, manager John Eustace made a double change at half-time, one of which saw Leo Duru replace Callum Brittain at right-back.

After the home team pulled a goal back, Makhtar Gueye notched Blackburn Rovers' fifth goal with a downward header before Jack Vale wrapped up the scoring at minute 88.

On his professional debut, Duru was assured in defence and also made his trademark surging runs down the right-hand side. 

He was close to marking his debut with an assist when he teed up Arnor Sigurdsson, whose effort was blocked. 

The promising teenager started his career at hometown club Manchester United before he was snapped up by Rovers as a schoolboy at U10 level. 

Leo Duru signed his first professional contract before the start of the 2023-2024 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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