Rob Page says Brennan Johnson is snapping at the heels of Gareth Bale for a place in his Wales plans following the 20-year-old's meteoric rise at Nottingham Forest.
The Wales head coach, who this week named his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup play-off semi-final against Austria, is one of many admirers of the attacking midfielder, having watched him surge through the age groups in recent years.
Johnson has netted 12 goals and clocked up five assists for Steve Cooper's side this season, and his form has seen him heavily tipped for a move to the Premier League.
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Burnley, Everton, Newcastle United, Leeds United and Crystal Palace were among the teams linked with the Welshman during the recent January window, while Brentford saw a bid of around £18m knocked back for his services.
It seems inevitable that Johnson will end up as a top-flight player at some point, but Page believes the midfielder has made the right decision in staying at the City Ground.
"I’ve been a fan of Brennan for the last two or three years," he said. "Having worked with him in the younger age groups. He’s excelling at Championship level. He’s definitely capable of playing higher. I respect the fact he wanted to stay and get that experience. What pleases me with Brennan is he’s gone out and done the hard yards.
"He went out to lower league clubs and played competitive football from an early age.
"That’s why he’s doing what he’s doing now in my opinion. He didn’t sit at Forest and play with the under-23s. They’ve developed him really, really well.
"Gary Brazil at Nottingham Forest has developed him in a great way. There was a questions about his discipline without the ball - well they played him as a central midfielder to make sure he tracked players.
"Part of that development some supporters won’t see has moulded him now into the player that we see now. He’s almost like the finished article. He’s enjoying training. He’s enjoying his football. He’s scoring goals, he’s tracking back. He’s doing everything you ask him to do and we’ve really got a bright player on our hands."
Johnson has been on the radar of the Wales boss for some time, and could have actually ended up playing for England were it not for an early intervention.
"I played against his dad quite a few times," Page replied when asked about the first time he crossed paths with Johnson. "We had a few conversations early doors but we got him in the system early.
"Even two or three years ago I was pushing for him to jump up the levels. Even up until 12 or 18 months ago there were questions on him and whether he could go all the way.
"But I think he’s proved some of the doubters wrong now. The way he’s playing is a credit to him, his dad, whose his agent, and how Forest have developed him. They’ve now got a wonderful player on their hands."
So wonderful, in fact, that Page believes Johnson is already providing competition for Bale, who is once again poised to captain his country at Cardiff City Stadium next Thursday night.
"It’s a great problem to have as a manager," Page continued. "That’s what you want. You want good problems like that. You want to have two great players on your hands and difficulty picking which one.
"Gareth’s been an absolute legend for his country and will be first through the building on Monday when we meet up.
"But he knows he’s got somebody young in Brennan who is snapping at this heels and is wanting that jersey. So it’s a great problem to have."
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