Defender Richie Laryea has been told to stay “ready” for whenever his next Nottingham Forest chance comes.
The Canada international has had to be patient since making the move to the City Ground from MLS outfit Toronto in January. But Monday night saw him make his debut for the Reds when he came off the bench in the 4-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on the banks of the Trent.
He got a round of applause from his teammates in the dressing room afterwards. And although he faces a fight to get in the team, boss Steve Cooper has been pleased with the 27-year-old’s attitude while he has been biding his time.
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“He’s a really, really good guy. Calm, relaxed, has bought into what we are doing. His family are over here. He’s completely engaged,” said Cooper.
“And he’s taken not playing as much as he would have liked - none of them take it well - but he’s taken it professionally. I’ve explained to him, the situation, and he accepts it. Like he did on Monday night, you’ve just got to stay ready.
“He’s part of what we’re doing here. He’s part of the squad. If he’s called upon, I’m sure he’ll be doing everything he can to make sure he’s as ready as he can be.
“I think he enjoyed it; hopefully he did. He got a round of applause after the game.
“It was good to see him in the kit, wasn’t it? There’s something about that red kit and being at the City Ground.”
