Nottingham Forest have a proud history of bringing through their own players to become mainstays of the first team.
This season has seen promotion heroes Joe Worrall, Ryan Yates and Brennan Johnson play regularly for Steve Cooper in the Premier League with Worrall and Yates named captain and vice-captain respectively. All three have come in for criticism of late with Worrall left out of the team which started the 3-2 defeat to Fulham, Forest's fourth loss in a row.
We discussed all three players on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast and asked whether they should start for Cooper in the next game at Leicester City. The panel was made up of Reds legend Garry Birtles, host Matt Davies and regular guest Michael Temple.
READ MORE: Forest appointment rumour explained as ex-Barcelona man linked with role
READ MORE: Marinakis recruits former Forest transfer chief to new role
Joe Worrall
GB: "It's always a big call to leave your captain out no matter who you are. Brian Clough would never have let John McGovern out and Bryan Robson was never left out at Manchester United.
"Before a ball was kicked we said lack of pace at the back would be a problem. Reading of the game and concentration has to be so good at the highest level. We've been found a bit too easily at the back."
MT: "As it played out against Fulham, Worrall and O'Brien made a positive impact from the bench. I'm slightly critical of the team selection against Fulham. We lacked composure at the back and a lack of pace was exposed again without Joe in the side.
"Worrall came on put his foot on the ball and found a pass. In the first half we played 30 or 35 minutes like an underdog sitting off and they were able to get at us easily."
Verdict: Pick him versus Leicester
Ryan Yates
MT: "Don't write Ryan Yates off. You need players like him in the squad. He's not in my XI at the minute. I think Lewis O'Brien can be that box to box figure and add a bit more.
"I'm not writing Yates off, but he's not in my starting XI. He'll be back but he needs a few games out of the side."
MD: "He wouldn't be in my XI right now. He's someone who can come into the game in certain match scenarios. You also have to remember it's a lot to keep stepping up in class. He's someone who can grow into the Premier League still."
Verdict: Leave Yates out for a few games but don't count him out
Brennan Johnson
MT: "I'd leave him out. He's looked our most likely scorer this season. That change of pace with a player like him will challenge teams. However, he's a luxury player.
"He's not quite doing enough. At this moment in time we need a bit more industry in midfield and I think the way to do that is to lose a striker. Brennan has 10 years ahead of him at this level.
"Let's not forget how young he is. He's going from League One to the Premier League in a couple of years. I love Brennan Johnson but he's not having it all his own way against better defenders. He'll be back but I don't think he's a guaranteed starter."
GB: "The expectation levels on him are very high in the Forest team. Him and Gibbs-White are both 21 or 22. That's a lot of expectation to put on two young men. It's asking a lot to get consistency from players both in the forward positions.
"We aren't dismissing him at all. I just think it's harsh to expect so much from him and Gibbs-White. We're so early into the season and it's too early to say he's not up to it or he's not up to it.
"It's a very difficult league to get used to. Bergkamp and Henry struggled when they first came over to the Premier League. It's the early stages of the season. If it were February and you were in the bottom three then you have something to worry about but it's September."
MD: "I've advocated always picking Brennan but if he's left out for against Leicester I'd be ok with that, but I'd be equally happy if he plays. He's making a massive step up.
"If he does play against Leicester he can have an impact with his pace. We've seen how bad they are at the back and we remember what he did last season against them. Even if he plays wider and wins corners that is a big contribution with how Leicester defend corners. They've been dire at the back."
Verdict: Marginal call, perhaps leave out to play an extra midfielder
Possible XI to face Leicester: Henderson; Worrall, Niakhate, McKenna; Williams, O'Brien, Mangala, Freuler; Lodi; Gibbs-White; Awoniyi
Should the trio be left out? Have your say in the comments section below
READ NEXT:
