Brennan Johnson’s former manager Michael Appleton would be ‘amazed’ if Nottingham Forest don’t have to fight off more Premier League interest in the winger this summer.
The academy graduate has impressed in his breakthrough season at the City Ground this campaign, including starring in the club’s run to the FA Cup quarter-final. The 20-year-old has 17 goal contributions in 40 appearances in all competitions this season.
His breakthrough comes after spending last season on loan with League One side Lincoln City, helping them to the play-off final. After just six months back with Forest, the Reds had to fight off interest from Premier League side Brentford during the January transfer window.
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Appleton, who managed Johnson at Lincoln, has predicted that Forest will again have a fight on their hands when the summer window opens. "I'd be amazed if there's not more interest from the Premier League in the summer - by three or four clubs, if not more,” he told Sky Sports .
"There were a few things which stood out with Brennan. He's got pace and he's very direct. Whenever he received the ball, even on his back foot, he'd look to turn and always go forward.
"So many players these days opt to play it square or go backwards but he always looked to be positive.The biggest compliment I can pay him is that I used him in five different positions. We played him either side of a striker, we played him as a number 9, as a 10 and even seven games where we played him as a No 8 in midfield.
"We knew we had someone who is not only very talented and grounded but also someone who is very adaptable, intelligent and has the right attitude. He was always among the two or three you'd struggle to get off the training pitch."
Johnson will now look to make a name for himself on the international stage with Wales. He has been included in Robert Page’s squad to take on Austria in Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifier.
