BRENNAN: THE NEW BALE

Wales boss Page hails Forest kid Johnson as the next big thing in Welsh football

BRENNAN JOHNSON has been backed to light up the Premier League next season at a top six club after being described as “the future of Welsh football”.

Wales skipper and record scorer Gareth Bale turns 33 in July and may even retire if the nation fail to get to the World Cup.

But Wales boss Rob Page believes Nottingham Forest striker Johnson is on a fast-track to stardom after his stunning season.

The 21-year-old has smashed 19 goals for Forest this season to fire them into Sunday’s Championship play-off final against Huddersfield.

Page reckons even if Forest fall at the final hurdle, that Johnson is destined to be playing in the Premier League next season.

Johnson still lives at home with his parents, including dad David who used to play for Bury, Forest and Ipswich.

They turned down a big-money move to Brentford in January to continue Johnson’s progress at Forest, where his contract is up in 2023.

The star is now set for a huge eight days with the play-off final and then Wales’ World Cup play-off final on June 5.

Asked if he expected Johnson to be in the Premier League next term whatever happens at Wembley, Page replied: “I think so. We have all seen first hand what Brennan is doing at Forest and undoubtedly he is the future of Welsh football.

“He’s top-six now. Teams showing interest in him in January have lost out. He’s really quick and poses a threat constantly. His development has taken off and he will get his move. We’ll benefit from that as well.”

Leicester may have finished just outside the top six but they are poised to make an £18million bid for the rapidly rising star.

Page added: “We all know his dad and it’s been great management from him. He could have gone in January but he didn’t and that speaks volumes about him as a person.

“He could have chased the money and quadrupled his wages, if not more, but it’s not about that for him. It’s so refreshing to see young lads wanting to play and win trophies. All the rest will take care of itself. The money, nice houses and nice cars will come.

“He trusted in his ability, wanted to stay at the club that’s shown him love, playing good football and suits how he plays. There was a lot of hype spoken about him in January and that hasn’t fazed him at all. He’s gone to another level again.”

Johnson has enjoyed a stellar season for Forest playing on the right of a front three after being loaned to

Lincoln the year before in

League One.

Page knows Johnson well after working with Wales’

U-21s previously.

He insists he won’t be fazed by a huge week ahead after scoring in both legs of Forest’s semi-final win over Sheffield

United plus netting in the penalty shoot-out.