Everton ace Kieran Dowell explains how Nottingham Forest loan helped him improve

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The Toffees midfielder and one-time Reds loanee is now on loan at Sheffield United in the Championship.

Everton midfielder Kieran Dowell has praised Nottingham Forest for helping him out in his development thanks to his loan stint at the City Ground last season.

The 21-year-old made the switch from Merseyside to the East Midlands in August 2017 and made a big impact for the Reds, with 10 goals and five assists in 43 appearances (Transfermarkt).

This term, Dowell’s Everton action has been limited to Carabao Cup and Premier League 2 appearances, with just three early-season appearances on the bench in terms of senior team involvement (Transfermarkt).

As a result, the Toffees academy graduate joined Sheffield United, another Championship side, on loan at the turn of the year, being involved in a side which is now second in the standings behind only Norwich City.

Dowell was asked by United programme UTB ahead of their game against Reading last time out whether his Forest loan stint helped him hit the ground running at Bramall Lane and he answered positively.

“I enjoyed my time at Forest,” he replied. “I started off on the bench, but gradually clocked up the games and scored quite a few goals.

“It certainly has helped me, though, when I came here I knew what the division was about which has meant I’ve been able to focus on learning how this team plays and not worry too much about who we’re playing against. We’re a confident bunch, without being arrogant, and it certainly aids my natural game.”

Dowell could find himself lining up against Forest as Martin O’Neill’s side are yet to come to Bramall Lane this term, the fixture taking place on 19 April.