Nottingham Forest loanee Djed Spence has spoken out on his ambitions to play in the Premier League amid links with a summer transfer.
The full-back is on a season-long loan at the City Ground having joined from Championship rivals Middlesbrough. He has gone from strength to strength at Forest, impressing with his performances which has led to transfer links to the Premier League this summer.
Spence made his debut for England U21s on Tuesday night as Lee Carsley’s men came out as 3-0 winners over Albania. Amid speculation over his future, he has made no secret over his ambitions.
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“I always want to push myself and play with the best players and best team,” he said following the game, as reported by the Mirror .
“Of course it’s an ambition of mine to play in the Premier League. I try to stay level-headed, I don’t read too much into it. At the end of the day, I’m just here to enjoy my football. I need to stay focused, have tunnel vision and play well on the pitch.
“It’s been hard. But I never worry, really. I know my ability, I know what I’m capable of. I’ve got a good family behind me that pushes me and mentors me. I’ve just got to keep moving forward and opportunities will always rise up. So I’ve got to be ready to take them.”
The Forest man also spoke of the message that Reds’ boss Steve Cooper has sent to him over his performances. “He says: 'Just believe in yourself. Go out there with the right attitude to play. Do the right things first and then your talent takes over.
“That’s the main thing I’ve learnt, just doing things right. The rest, your talent will take over. It’s been a good season. The manager who has come in has done well with the group of players and we’ve all believed in what he’s come here to do. It’s going well.”