Being around Nottingham Forest’s first-team squad is proving invaluable for teenager Aaron Donnelly as he aims to continue his development.
The 19-year-old was singled out for praise by boss Steve Cooper last month after making his Reds debut in the Carabao Cup. He did not look out of place as he played the full 90 minutes of the 3-0 victory over Grimsby Town - a run-out which has made him hungry for more.
Donnelly regularly trains with the senior side and travelled to Spain with them for a pre-season camp. Getting to pit himself against the likes of Jesse Lingard, Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White on a frequent basis provides a good test, while the youngster has also been keen to soak up the knowledge of the defenders in the group.
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“Every day you’re learning, and to play against those guys and that quality of player in training is a real privilege and a great experience,” he told BelfastLive.
“Defensively, there are also so many players I can learn from. The club captain, Joe Worrall, is a centre-back and Steve Cook has also played in the Premier League before.
“I listen to those guys all the time. You need to take it in because they have played at the top level and know what it takes to get there.”
Donnelly hopes to use making his bow in the Garibaldi as a springboard to keep progressing. And playing alongside countryman Dale Taylor, who he has known for a long time, made the occasion extra special, with the striker coming off the bench for his debut.
“I was buzzing when I was told I’d be playing against Grimsby,” said the Northern Ireland Under-21 international. “To win the game and keep a clean-sheet, I really enjoyed the whole experience.
“The gaffer said afterwards that this is just the start for the younger players and we have to keep showing him that we’re capable of playing in the Premier League or, if we’re lucky enough, in the next round of the Carabao Cup. Grimsby is a tough place to go, so to win and get that exposure so early in my career was great. It gave me a real desire to keep pushing on.
“To play with Dale, one of my best mates, against Grimsby was class because we have grown up together in the Northern Ireland set-up. Jamie McDonnell, who captained the Under-18s in last season’s Youth Cup final, is also at Forest and it’s great to have boys from back home over here.
“If you ever need someone to chat to, they’re always there. Having those lads gives you something to do in your spare time or when you’re away from football.”
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