Steve Cooper insists Nottingham Forest starlet Brennan Johnson won’t be distracted by contract talks or growing Premier League interest.
Forest ace Johnson will only have one year left on his existing deal this summer after the club rejected a big money bid from Brentford in January.
Welsh international Johnson, 20, is also liked by Spurs after his brilliant form this term with 10 goals and six assists in the Championship.
David Beckham - a former teammate of the Forest youngster’s father David, at Manchester United - is taking a keen interest in his career, while Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony recently claimed a player like Johnson could be just as good as new Liverpool signing Luis Diaz.
Johnson’s father recently confirmed talks over a new deal with Reds’ owner Evangelos Marinakis in London.
But boss Cooper, whose side visit Sheffield United on Friday, isn’t worried about uncertainty over the winger's future affecting Johnson’s form.
Cooper said: “I don’t worry too much about Brennan because he is a very calm guy.
“He is quite interested in his football really and training well and getting ready for the next game.
“He will be looking at stuff from the last game he has done well and aspects to improve on.
“I don’t worry one bit about any side-shows going on around him.
“As for contract talks, I am sure there is stuff going on in the background but my job and Brennan’s job is just to work as hard as we can to play well and win as many games as we can.
“We’ll leave the other stuff to other people.
“I am very happy with Brennan.
“He has been getting the goals for us recently and as always it is about getting ready and looking forward to the next game.”
This month is shaping up to be crucial for Johnson with promotion-chasing Forest also still in the FA Cup at home to Huddersfield on Monday.
The Welsh international, who has seven caps, is also expected to feature in his nation’s World Cup play-off semi-final at home to Austria in Cardiff on March 24.
Cooper, who used to coach England U17, added: “It is always an honour to try and play for your country.
“Major tournaments are brilliant things to be part of.
“While you are still developing at a younger age it can add to your development because playing against these different styles, travelling and different referees, is good for young players.
“There is a difference from international and tournament football.
“There is loads of stuff that can be gained from it.
“Knowing Brennan he will be doing his very best to gain as much as he can.”
