Midfielder Ryan Yates knew Nottingham Forest had a talent on their hands when they signed Morgan Gibbs-White last summer.
Yates was already well aware just how difficult the attacker can be to keep tabs on. And he is pleased to have had him on his side this time around.
The duo came up against each other in the Championship last season, when Gibbs-White was on loan at Sheffield United. He was on the losing side as the Reds beat the Blades in the teams’ two-legged play-offs semi-final to clinch their place at Wembley.
READ MORE: Forest tipped to 'go from strength to strength' with Marinakis backing
READ MORE: Gibbs-White transfer comment made as Reds ace backed for England call
Forest’s subsequent promotion then saw the 23-year-old make the move to the City Ground from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a club record deal, after head coach Steve Cooper made him his top transfer target. He has proved to be an excellent signing, playing a crucial role in helping to secure survival, and Yates is convinced he can get even better.
“First and foremost, he’s a great professional and a really good guy,” he told talkSPORT. “You can see his drive and his energy on the pitch.
“I remember playing against him last season, when he was with Sheffield United, in the play-offs. He was one of my most difficult opponents to play against, so when we signed him I knew what a good player he was.
“He’s just gone from strength to strength. Like a lot of players, given time and with Steve Cooper’s guidance, he’s only going to improve and excel in his career.”
Gibbs-White has been a regular for Cooper’s side this term. He has made 36 league appearances and chipped in with seven assists and five goals.
Most notably, he set up Tawio Awoniyi for the winner against Arsenal last weekend which clinched safety for the Reds with a game to spare. Ahead of this weekend’s final game at Crystal Palace, he will hope to have made the cut when Gareth Southgate names his latest England squad on Wednesday.
What have you made of Gibbs-White this season? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
Carragher points to Forest 'lesson' amid Brentford comparison
Forest news and transfers live as Reds prepare for transfer window
Henderson wants Forest transfer as he prepares to leave Man United
Forest and the Clough years - get your 48-page special edition
- The latest Nottingham Forest news in one place
