History suggests that Forest’s most exciting talents don’t stick around too often, but Montanier will be desperate to buck the trend.
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier has told the club’s official website that he has been impressed with the ability of young defender Joe Worrall since taking charge at the City Ground.
The Frenchman, who helped form the careers of Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele during his time at Real Sociedad and Rennes, has shown a refreshing commitment to young players at Forest, starting six academy graduates on his Championship managerial debut against Burton Albion in August.
However, 19-year-old defender Worrall has been forced to wait for his opportunity this season, only making his first appearance against Reading last month before starting Forest’s two most recent fixtures, the draw with QPR and the vital win at Ipswich.
And Montanier says the youngster has repaid his faith with interest and believes he has all the tools required to develop further.
“I have confidence with the younger players. In the first game we started with six players from the academy and for three of those it was their first games,” Montanier told the club’s official website.
“Joe Worrall showed during pre-season his ability and we had to be patient to give him an opportunity and I am happy with his performances.
“He is a strong defender and we saw against Ipswich as you need power and technique as well. Joe is strong and tall but very clever tactically too and he will continue to improve.”
A huge array of talent of passed through the Nottingham Forest academy system in recent years, though the majority of these are currently making their name elsewhere.
Karl Darlow (below) and Jamaal Lascelles continue to impress at Championship league leaders Newcastle while former prized asset Oliver Burke has helped RB Leipzig to the top of the Bundesliga, ahead of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
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