Robert Earnshaw has expressed his disappointment that Brennan Johnson has been forced to miss Wales’ European Championship qualifiers with Croatia and Latvia.
The 21-year-old was called up by Wales but did not report for duty, having previously picked up a groin strain on March 11 only to then play against Newcastle six days later.
That prompted Wales boss Robert Page to suggest Nottingham Forest should not ‘take him for granted’ – a remark that irritated Reds supporters.
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In the build up to Saturday evening’s clash with Croatia, Earnshaw voiced his regret as Wales begin life without Gareth Bale.
“He is a huge miss,” the former Forest striker said. “What I love is that we are talking about Brennan Johnson in that sense because I think he deserves it, he has been a quality player, I think he has got seven goals this year in the Premier League. But his performances have been a highlight for Nottingham Forest.
“He is missing which his a big loss for Wales, huge loss because when Gareth Bale retires, who do you want to step in? For me I have looked at Brennan Johnson for a little while and thought ‘OK, can I see things that he can go in and take over the leadership and be that key difference maker?’
“I think he can, I am gutted that he is missing because this [Croatia] would have been a perfect game for him to step in and be part of that Ramsey, Kieffer Moore, Dan James front of four that dictates our attacking profile.”
As well as scoring 43 times in just over one hundred games for Forest, Earnshaw also played 59 times for his country.
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