Mckenna believes Mbe Soh will shine
DEFENDER Loic Mbe Soh has been backed to shine for Nottingham Forest when he eventually gets his chance.
The 19-year-old has made only seven appearances in the Garibaldi since his move from French giants PSG last summer, and has not featured since coming off the bench against Barnsley back in January.
There is some tough competition for places in the Reds back line, with Joe Worrall, Scott Mckenna and Tobias Figueiredo most regularly used by boss Chris Hughton.
Mbe Soh has found himself down the pecking order and the manager has admitted a loan move could be a possibility next season.
But fellow centre-back Mckenna is convinced the teenager’s opportunity will come in the future and says he has impressed in training.
“There is definitely a lot of competition. Toby has played more games than me and Wozza this season,” said the former Aberdeen man.
“He’s been more of a mainstay than both of us.
“We’ve got Loic as well. He’s been very unfortunate. He trains brilliantly every day and has probably not had the minutes he would have liked.
“His attitude is spot on every day. He’s one of the best trainers. He’s just been really unfortunate with the lack of minutes he’s had this season.
“But his time will come and I’m sure when he gets that opportunity, he’ll be more than ready.”
Like Mbe Soh, Mckenna is in his first year at the City Ground.
He was one of 14 signings made last summer. And while significant changes are expected again this time around, he believes having the basis of a settled squad will help.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said regarding his start to life Trentside.
“In terms of the club, settling in has been fine because the lads have been absolutely brilliant.
“It’s more when you’re away from the club and you can’t meet people or have family down.
“I probably came in quite late, in the third league game of the season.
“But the more bodies we have in at the start of pre-season who are still here at the start of the season, I think that’s the best way – they’ll know the way the manager wants to play and will have had time on the training pitch.
“That can only be beneficial, rather than players coming in later in the season and trying to adapt to new systems.”