Nottingham Forest should push for a summmer move for James Ward-Prowse 'when' they say in the Premier League.
That is the verdict of Reds legend Garry Birtles, who is in no doubt his old club will stay in the Premier League after their 4-3 win over Southampton on Monday.
Birtles was at the City Ground to witness Ward-Prowse cause chaos in the Forest back four with his dead ball deliveries as the Reds held on for a win that took them three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
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The result also all but relegated Southampton, meaning England international Ward-Prowse will be in a man in demand at the end of the season.
"I played with a genius in John Robertson whose delivery was incredible. As a striker you couldn't wish for more, and that's what Ward-Prowse gives you," Birtles said on the Garibaldi Red podcast.
"Somebody is going to be lucky to get him in the summer. He's top at what he does. He's getting close to [the level of David] Beckham and it's difficult to stop."
When it was suggested the midfielder was more likely to go a club such as Aston Villa or Newcastle United, Birtles said Forest could still be a good option despite struggling in the Premier League all season.
He explained: "I think you're possibly right but why shouldn't he come to a club like ours? People can see the quality of players coming in and Steve Cooper's reputation goes before him for the way he handles players. Why not?
"He's a quality player no doubt, and it would be interesting to see in a very good side how good he can be. When we do stay up we'll be looking at players like that again. You've got to be trying to improve the quality of your team."
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