Tyler Walker has scored just one league goal for Nottingham Forest – but will they really let him go at the age of just 20?
With his father Des a bonafide Nottingham Forest legend, young Tyler Walker was always going to be under a little extra scrutiny as he attempted to make his name at the City Ground.
Therefore, a wonderfully taken goal on only his second appearance for the club, thus equalling his dad’s tally with 344 games to spare, appeared to herald the striker as a star for the future.
Des Walker
However, it’s fair to say his burgeoning Nottingham Forest career hasn’t exactly taken off since. That fantastic individual goal in the latter stages of the 2014/15 season is his one and only league strike in the club’s famous colours.
And, according to the Nottingham Post, Port Vale are keen on signing Walker permanently this summer after an eye-catching loan deal last season was cut short by injury.
As it stands, it appears that Walker needs to leave the club in order to progress. He may not follow in his father’s legendary footsteps but, at the age of 20, the Nottingham-born youngster needs game time.
However, perhaps manager Mark Warburton should follow former boss Dougie Freedman’s lead and give Walker the chance to prove himself at the City Ground. He may have only played 15 times during loans at Stevenage and Port Vale last season but a tally of six goals, including a brilliant overhead kick, demonstrates his potential.
Dougie Freedman gave Tyler Walker his chance
Furthermore, with Apostalos Vellios out of favour, Britt Assombalonga excellent but injury prone and Jamie Ward far from prolific, there may still be a place in Forest’s squad for Walker.
Ben Brereton has overtaken Walker as Forest’s boy wonder but, at just 20, it’s far too early to write him off.
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