OLLIE CAN BE AN ENGLAND WINNER TOO

BEES boss Dean Smith has tipped Ollie Watkins to be a future England star.

The 22-year-old scored his fourth goal of the season with a late winner to maintain

Brentford’s unbeaten home record. His 84th-minute strike from Said Benrahma’s pin-point cross ended Forest’s golden start to the season after sub Matty Cash had ruled out Lewis Macleod’s early goal.

Smith is determined to wrap his striker in cotton wool but knows top clubs are on the prowl.

Tottenham are the latest to show interest in the former Exeter player who has already been recognised by his peers as a young Player of the Year.

He cost Brentford £1.8million a year ago and now that figure rises by the week. Smith, one of the best managers outside the Premier League, has a habit of finding gems.

He said: “England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted he will never rule out the Championship when looking for talent. We have one here.

“Ollie is a talent. If he continues to listen and learn then he has a bright future. If you were to ask me if he could be an England player by the end of this season then I would say yes.”

Forest’s Ben Watson, who played his heart out, fighting, cajoling and leading by example, said: “It was a sickener to concede so late because at the time we were the team on top. We had them rocking. We’ve got to learn from it and keep going.

“But we can’t make excuses we need to settle quickly and pick up a couple of results.”