Former Nottingham Forest coach Steven Reid has heaped praise on vice-captain Ryan Yates, saying the midfielder has the heart of a lion.
Reid worked closely with Yates in his two years at the club before departing in the summer to focus on coaching players on the mental side of the game.
Yates, 24, has seen his own mental strength tested as he battled to win over some fans before becoming arguably Forest's best performer so far in the Premier League. He scored eight goals from midfield last season, many of them from set pieces and Reid told the Garibaldi Red podcast of Yates' character and generosity with that in mind.
READ MORE: Scarpa shines in first appearance for Forest
READ MORE: The 'fairy tale' story behind £7m-rated striker linked with Nottingham Forest transfer
"I absolutely love Yatesy. Everyday gives his best. Everyday first on the training field. Everyday wants to get better and learn," he said.
"He's got the heart of a lion and is everything you want in a player, as a coach. Now he's in a good place. At times it's fair to say he's had a mixed reaction from sections of the support over the years. It's taken a while for some to fully believe in him and believe he's the real deal.
"It's no surprise he gets his games in no matter what manager it is. He's an important person to have around, not just a player. He'll put his foot in, lead by example and get his head on a free kick.
"Last season I was on attacking set plays and we used to have it where every player who went in the box had to put a tenner in every week into the pot. Yates ended up picking up the pot a lot as he scored seven from set plays I think last season.
"To his credit, every time he won the pot Yatesy was straight into the kitchen at the training ground letting the kitchen staff share out the money. That gives you an insight into what he's about."
To hear Reid's take on fellow academy graduates Joe Worrall and Brennan Johnson, listen to the full podcast now.
Has Yates been Forest's best player this season? Have your say in the comments section below
READ NEXT:
