Returning loan stars can fire up Reds – Alex
TEENAGE FORWARD SURE THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR FOREST
TEENAGER Alex Mighten is convinced the future is bright for Nottingham Forest, with some of the club’s young players set to return from valuable loan spells this summer.
While Mighten has impressed in the Garibaldi this term, others on the club’s books have been gaining experience elsewhere.
The likes of fellow Nigel Doughty Academy graduates Brennan Johnson, at Lincoln City, Jordan Gabriel, at Blackpool, and
Tyrese Fornah, for Plymouth Argyle, have notched up plenty of minutes and put in strong performances.
All three will hope to get a chance to catch the eye of Reds boss Chris Hughton in pre-season, with a view to being involved for the first-team in 2021-22.
“I do think the future is bright,” said Mighten.
“It’s been a very good season for players who have gained experience – not only here, but on loan.
“A lot of the players out on loan have been doing really well and are playing a lot of games.
“It’s going to be key for the club next season to have those options there, for when they are ready.
“They’re showing they are ready. They are showing they can do it at that level. It’s good they’ve got the opportunity; good for them to prove they are able to play at that level.
“I’m really happy on a personal level because I’ve played with them through the academy, so when I see them doing well, it’s a real joy for me.
“Credit to the academy as well, because they’ve produced some really good players in the past and are doing so now.
“It will be really good to have them back.
“I’m sure they’ll be very excited to come back in the summer and hopefully be in the group.
“If not, they’ll just build their game time and play more games – that’s really important, not only for myself, but all of the young players who are trying to come through this club.”
In what has been a breakthrough year, Mighten played 27 times for Forest and scored three goals – netting his first senior strike for the club against Millwall
back in December.
That form saw him pick up the David Howard Trophy for Young Player of the Year.
On a collective level, though, it proved to be a disappointing campaign for Forest in the Championship, with Hughton’s side finishing 17th.
Much work will be needed to transform the squad in the summer into one capable of challenging for the top six in 2021-22.
But Mighten says the manager has played a key role in his development.
“He’s helped me massively. He’s a very experienced manager and very good at what he does,” said the 19-year-old.
“We’ve got a good relationship. He helps me on a personal level with little things.
“He’s a really good manager for the group.
“We’re a tight group, and he makes sure we’re really close together.”
Mighten added: “I just think we need to continue to build, stick together as a team and get those relationships going to their full potential.
“We’ve had a change of manager as well this season, which is difficult for any side.
“Hopefully, we can have a tight group of players again next season, make it a familiar environment for everyone and build from there.”