Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson is “almost the finished article”, according to Wales boss Robert Page.
And Johnson’s international manager believes staying at the City Ground in January was the right call for the Reds youngster. Since the transfer window closed, he has continued to be an integral player for Steve Cooper’s side and has taken his goal tally to 12 for the season so far.
A host of Premier League clubs have been eyeing Johnson up since last summer, when he returned from a loan spell at Lincoln City. But it was Brentford who really pushed to sign him earlier this year, with Forest rejecting what would have been a club record fee for the 20-year-old.
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The Nigel Doughty Academy product will now link up with his country during the international break. And ahead of his side’s World Cup play-off against Austria, Page has heaped praise on Johnson.
“Brennan could potentially have had a move in January,” said Page. “But he decided to stay because he’s at a club where he was going to play and enjoy his football.
“That speaks volumes about him. He didn’t go chasing the money.
“He’s almost the finished article now, and Forest have got a wonderful player on their hands. I’ve been to watch him a few times and he’s playing with freedom. He’s really enjoying his football.
“What pleases me with Brennan is he’s gone out and done the hard yards. He went out to a lower league club and played competitive football from an early age.
“Even up until 12 or 18 months ago there were questions on him and whether he could go all the way. There was a question about his discipline without the ball, so they played him as a central midfielder to make sure he tracked players.
“He’s proved those doubters wrong. The way he’s playing is a credit to him, his dad – who is his agent – and how Forest have developed him.”
