Nottingham Forest have a proud tradition of bringing young players through the ranks, and the next generation of talent will be aiming to add their names to the list.
Breaking into the first-team might be tougher with the Reds in the Premier League. But in Steve Cooper, Forest have a manager who takes a keen interest in youth development and is prepared to give youngsters a chance.
A number of academy players regularly train with the first-team, while others are currently out on loan building up their experience. We take a look at some who will hope to be the next ones to make the breakthrough from the Nigel Doughty Academy.
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Tyrese Fornah
This has the makings of being an important season for the midfielder. Now aged 23, he needs to be playing regularly.
Getting a run of games in the Forest side has been tough, but he has previously impressed on loan in League One, at Plymouth Argyle and Shrewsbury Town. This term, he has the chance to prove himself in the Championship, spending the campaign at Reading.
He hasn’t always had it easy since joining the Royals, but he has picked up plenty of minutes and put in some strong performances. Early on, boss Paul Ince said he has the potential to be “a top player”.
Fornah has always retained great confidence in his own ability. Getting his chance at the City Ground when he returns is still going to be tough, but he will be doing his best to catch the eye.
Fin Back
The 20-year-old has been in good form on loan at League Two Carlisle United. A regular in the starting XI, he has made 18 appearances so far. However, he was forced off with hamstring trouble in last weekend’s 4-1 victory at Salford - an issue he also had earlier in the campaign.
The defender already has five Forest appearances under his belt. He did himself credit when drafted in early on last season and in a tough Boxing Day trip to Middlesbrough, and he is well thought of by Cooper.
“I knew from the conversations I had with him that he seemed a really good professional, and from my conversations with Steve Cooper…he really likes him,” Carlisle manager Paul Simpson said shortly after Back had signed. “He thinks he’s got a hell of a chance. It’s a massive one for us to get him in, really is.”
Alex Mighten
Cooper thinks very highly of the 20-year-old. He was a valued member of the squad last term, although struggled to force his way into the starting XI - a challenge which only increased with the signings the Reds made in the summer.
“I’ve gone on record many times to say what I think Alex can be for Forest in the long-term. And everybody’s way of getting there looks different,” Cooper said prior to Mighten heading on loan to Sheffield Wednesday.
“What Alex can’t do - and I’m not speaking out of term, because me and Alex have had this conversation - is have another season like last year. Always, the most important thing for a young player is to play games; to start games, sometimes finish them, play three in a week, experience the build-up, experience the winning, experience the losing, come up against strong opponents.
“Last season, for one reason or another - and some of it was bad luck - he didn’t get to experience that. I don’t think he can go through that again.”
The attacker had a difficult start to life with the Owls. However, he has begun to find his feet and now has two goals in his last three appearances. He will hope this year can stand him in good stead for when he returns to the City Ground.
Aaron Donnelly
The teenager received plenty of plaudits for an accomplished senior debut back in August. He played the full 90 minutes as Grimsby Town were seen off 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
“I thought Aaron Donnelly was excellent. For his first game, he played like a man. We’re really proud of him and all the young players,” Cooper said at the time.
Getting a look-in on match days is tough for academy players at the minute, given the Reds are fighting to secure Premier League survival. But that’s no reflection on the potential in the ranks at Under-18 and Under-21 level - with Donnelly part of a promising group.
He has continued to do well for the Under-21s, leading by example. And he is one of a number of youngsters who look to have a bright future.
Dale Taylor
As with Donnelly, the forward is a player who has been on Cooper’s radar. Perhaps the pair could do with some loan experience first, but the hope is they will get a chance to make their mark at Forest at some point down the line.
Taylor got a glimpse of a Premier League matchday when he was included on the bench for the victory over Crystal Palace before the break. Last term, he travelled with the squad to Fulham, and although he didn’t get in the 18, it was still a valuable experience. “Dale is still very much in the early stages of his development as a full-time player,” Cooper said at the time.
He went on to start the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United, and has maintained his progress at youth level. He is one of several to keep an eye out for in the future.
Which youngsters would you like to see given a chance? Have your say in the comments below
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