SEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

Johnson’s superstar text appeal to celebrate prize

BY JAMES NURSEY

BRENNAN JOHNSON has revealed David Beckham is the most famous person in his phone.

And he might just get a text from the Manchester United and England legend after his award today.

Johnson’s impressive performances for resurgent Nottingham Forest saw the winger named EFL Young Player of the Month.

He joins a star-studded list of winners including Harry Maguire, Wilfried Zaha, Patrick Bamford, Dele Alli and Kalvin Phillips.

He has thrived since new boss Steve Cooper took charge last month and made the Reds more attacking.

Johnson now has two goals and three assists in the Championship for Forest, who are unbeaten under Cooper.

His fans include none other than Beckham as his ex-pro dad David won the FA Youth Cup at Manchester United and was a member of the club’s famous Class of 92.

Johnson, who was loaned to League One Lincoln last season, admitted: “He is definitely the most famous person in my phone. There is a few of them from that team who have kept in touch. Maybe if he sees it he will get in touch.

“It is a really nice award to get and shows all the work the boys have been putting in. It has given me the chance to get some goals and assists, and I have really enjoyed playing under the manager.

“I know some very good players have won it in the past and it is something I’m proud of.”

Beckham’s path to superstardom at United is familiar to most but his ex-team-mate Johnson also played in the Premier League with Ipswich.

Now son Brennan hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps as he plans an exciting 2022.

He still believes Forest can recover from their poor start under Chris Hughton to reach the play-offs ahead of Blackpool’s visit this afternoon.

And the Wales international is also confident they can still qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

He said: “I think we have the squad to do it with Wales. I really fancy us to get qualified.

“Next year could be really exciting if Forest keep going the way we are now.

“Hopefully we can do maybe the play-offs.

“We started poorly but now anything if possible. If the results keep coming then sky is the limit for the boys.

“I want to get a lot more goals and assists. The new gaffer has brought in a lot more freedom on the pitch and it is definitely paying off.”