The teenager started the Reds EFL Cup win against Millwall.
While Nottingham Forest have taken a thrifty approach to the summer transfer window, their approach – forced or otherwise – has been justified so far.
The Reds secured their fourth win from six in all competitions on Tuesday, edging past League One Millwall in the EFL Cup second round – a fixture in which a number of fringe players impressed.
Lars Veldwijk, who spent last season on loan to PEC Zwolle, scored a late winner with his first goal in English football, with another 2015-16 exile, Jamie Paterson, staking his own claim with the opener towards the end of the first half.
However, arguably the most pleasing aspect of Forest’s season so far has been Philippe Montanier’s continued faith in the club’s young players.
With academy products Oliver Burke and Matty Cash already impressing this season, another youthful prospect, James Thorne, was handed a chance to follow suit at the New Den.
Though Thorne was withdrawn at half-time having picked up a booking in the first half, it was the only downside to a memorable evening for the Manchester-born attacking midfielder.
“Proud moment for me & my family tonight making my debut,” the 20-year-old posted on Twitter. “Buzzin to play my part in the 1st goal, disappointed with the yellow early on..
“But thankyou to the fans & teammates who made it special.”
And Thorne was quickly congratulated by fellow youngsters Cash, Jorge Grant and Joe Worrall, who posted the following:
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