Martin Keown has told TalkSPORT (10.25AM, Friday) that new Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien impressed him against West Ham on Sunday, claiming other clubs might have “missed an opportunity” on him.
O’Brien, 23, joined Nottingham Forest this summer – one of 16 new players at the City Ground. Forest completed their 16th arrival on Friday morning, with the announcement of club-record signing Morgan Gibbs-White.
But it was O’Brien that partnered Oriel Mangala in the middle of the park against West Ham. Having starred for Huddersfield after breaking into the side from the academy, he clocked up 131 senior appearances for the Terriers.
Attracting interest from the likes of Leeds United, he is now tasked with keeping Forest up. Keown said he was impressed with the midfielder on Sunday, and thinks other clubs, like Leeds, have missed an opportunity.
“There are some decent players in there. I looked at O’Brien on the weekend, in midfield, from Huddersfield. He looked really good, there might be some other clubs that might be thinking – they have missed an opportunity.”
Forest midfielder O’Brien impressed Keown, clubs ‘missed opportunity’
O’Brien was arguably Forest’s best player on Sunday. A wonderful performance – combining both tenacity and work rate with some lovely passing when on the ball. He is the kind of player key to fighting relegation.
He will scrap, but combines it with superb technical ability. At just 23, he is a signing that will improve Forest for years. If they do go down next May, he is the kind of player to stick with them. A wonderful addition.
Keown is right, clubs like Leeds – who had shown interest in the ex-Huddersfield man – will be regretting their decision not to sign him. He could be one of the key additions that helps keep Forest up.
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