The 22-year-old was handed the starting role in between the sticks.
Nottingham Forest’s Eric Lichaj (L) with Jordan Smith and Sheffield Wednesday’s Jordan Rhodes
Nottingham Forest were beaten in the Championship yesterday, losing 2-1 to Sheffield Wednesday in a tough fixture at the City Ground.
It was a game full of controversy and was interim manager Gary Brazil’s third defeat on the bounce.
But there was one thing to be pleased about, as another Forest youngster got a chance in the first-team.
Jordan Smith started his first game for Forest. The club’s number one Stephen Henderson is out with an Achilles injury whilst Brazil appears to have lost faith with the error-prone and erratic Vladimir Stojkovic.
The 22-year-old has had to bide his time for chances at the City Ground but he impressed overall in the game and his manager was certainly pleased with his efforts.
Speaking to the official Nottingham Forest website after the game Brazil stated:
“Jordan had a fantastic game and really looked the part. I felt it was appropriate to give him the chance. We know how good a goalkeeper he is and from our point of view we know the qualities he has and he showed that today.
“He is a very competent goalkeeper that can play at this level so I am pleased for him but disappointed that he ended up on the losing team.”
Nottingham Forest’s Vladimir Stojkovic kisses the ball after making a save
Forest fans have been concerned about the goalkeeper position for much of the season. They lost Dorus de Vries in the summer whilst Stojkovic has never convinced and Henderson was not much better.
It might be, just like in the case of Ben Brereton, that turning to youth is the best option for Forest.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
