MY ACCOUNT
Brennan Johnson’s impressive FA Cup performances have placed him firmly in the spotlight.
The 20-year-old Nottingham Forest winger has put in two dazzling displays against Arsenal and Leicester to set Premier League clubs on red alert.
Under the tutelage of manager Steve Cooper, the Welsh international continues to shine and could be destined for the very top.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to fellow promotion chasers Blackburn, we assess whether the Reds academy graduate is ready for the step up.
Lincoln loan
Remarkably, this is actually Johnson’s first full year playing in the Championship.
He spent last term on loan at Lincoln in League One, scoring 13 goals and setting up a further 16 in 48 appearances for the Imps.
The Sincil Bank faithful fell in love with the rapid winger, as did his boss Michael Appleton.
Appleton said: “I’ve not been surprised. I knew about his ability and I spoke to his dad numerous times.
“I was delighted when we got the opportunity to sign him. He’s fulfilled the potential that we knew he had.
“To get to the next step, he just needs to play. As far as I’m concerned, he can go and comfortably play at Championship level.”
Forest return
It was a grim start to the season for Forest as they lost six of their opening seven league games, leading to Chris Hughton’s sacking.
Johnson did score in the 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Derby and was one of the few bright spots at the City Ground.
He looked at home in the second tier and quickly hit the ground running once Cooper was appointed.
After the FA Cup third round win over Arsenal, former Forest star Roy Keane heaped praise on the youngster for taking his chance.
He said: “He’s a talented kid. No doubt, a lot of teams are looking at him and we’ll see if Forest can hold on to him.
“It will be interesting to see what he’s like against a tricky team. He’s got a bit of pace.
“He’s got an assist in him and he’s really talented. Sometimes you need to go out on loan. Sometimes you have to be patient, but when you get a chance you need to take it.”
The Cooper effect
There are not many managers more trusted with young talent in the football league than Cooper.
He oversaw England’s U-17 World Cup victory in 2017 and helped Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi make their first steps into senior football during his time at Swansea.
Johnson’s father David, who played over 100 times for Forest in the early 2000s, recently said: “A few days after he came in, Steve Cooper called me and said ‘I’m going to look after him and make him a top player’.”
And it is clear that Cooper holds Johnson in incredibly high regard, both on and off the pitch.
Last week, the Forest chief said: “What you see on a daily basis is a young player who is never late — a player who comes in with the right attitude and works hard in training.
“He wants to do extra and review how he can improve his game. He’s a local boy and is very proud to play for the football club.
“He comes from a lovely family and a lovely home. If I’m being really honest, I was never worried about him leaving because I see him every day.
“I see the bits no one else sees — how hard he is working. Sometimes you have to be careful what you say about young players. You don’t want them getting carried away.
“Sometimes they want the limelight, but Brennan is the opposite. He shies away from it.”
Final Destination
Everything suggests that Johnson will be plying his trade in the top flight next season.
Alan Shearer agrees: “If Forest are not playing in the Premier League next season, then I think this guy will be.
“There was interest in him in January. They turned down big money for him in the hope he can help them get promoted.”
Forest are set to be tested by sizeable bids in the summer if they do not earn promotion — and there is a high chance they will not.
Brentford, Leeds and Newcastle were rumoured to have shown interest last month but it may be that even bigger fish are keen.
Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paritici was reportedly at the City Ground on Sunday to watch Johnson’s progress.
Expect to see plenty more of the lightning-quick winger in the future.
