Nottingham Forest defeated League Two Grimsby Town 3-0 in the Carabao Cup third round at Blundell Park on Tuesday night.
Ryan Yates scored a stunner to open the scoring while Sam Surridge netted a brace. Head coach Steve Cooper handed several debuts to Forest's next generation of talent, including Aaron Donnelly who played the full 90 minutes.
Fellow youngsters Dale Taylor, Oli Hammond and Zach Abbott - all came off the bench. Summer signings Wayne Hennessey, Guilian Biancone, Cheikhou Kouyate, Remo Freuler and Emmanuel Dennis also made their full debuts.
READ MORE: Manager confirms transfer 'proposal' for Nottingham Forest target after huge blow
READ MORE: Carabao Cup third round draw time, TV channel and potential Nottingham Forest opponents
Forest players have been sending messages on social media following the game, and here's what they have been saying...
Ryan Yates: "Well done lads Zach Abbott, Dale Taylor and Aaron Donnelly."
Remo Freuler: "First game." Yates was among those to respond with a 'star-struck' face.
Giulian Biancone: "Very happy to have played in today's game and with tonight's victory. Moving forward in the EFL Cup. Well done team and thanks to our travelling fans for your support."
Mbe Soh: "Great victory tonight. Clean sheet - on to the next round."
Meanwhile Martina Donnelly, Aaron's mum shared a special message on social media. "Dreams do come true," she wrote on Twitter. "This is the day he dreamed of from 3 years of age.
"Congratulations Aaron Donnelly on making your debut for Nottingham Forest 1st team. We are so proud of you son."
What did you make of Aaron Donnelly's display? Let us know in the comments section...
READ NEXT:
