Victory to savour ‘for generations’

STEVE COOPER’S hunch that former Liverpool striker Taiwo Ayoniwi could excel against his former club paid big dividends at the City Ground.

Ayoniwi — who was a Liverpool player between 2015 and 2021 without making a first-team appearance because of work permit issues — was given the nod by his new boss ahead of Brennan Johnson and Emmanuel Dennis.

He went on to score the only goal of the game after 55 minutes, toning down his celebration out of respect to Liverpool.

‘T [Ayoniwi] worked so hard. We played him today as we thought he could be a handful for Virgil van Dijk. He really proved to be that and deserved his goal,’ said Cooper. ‘If he didn’t celebrate, I’ll support whatever a player decides to do.’

Forest’s famous win brought back memories of great European battles between the clubs when Brian Clough and Bob Paisley managed the sides.

‘We needed a positive result — it was big around the history and nostalgia of the game as well,’ added Cooper.

‘I know that Forest supporters would have looked when this game would be. We’ve pleased many generations of fans.

‘We are still nowhere near the league position or points tally we wanted by now but, at the same time, it’s given us a reference point to build on.’

Ayoniwi signed from Union Berlin for £17million in the summer as one of 23 new Forest purchases.

After full-time he said: ‘I am happy but the most important thing is three points. To score against Liverpool, I will never forget.

‘I will always be grateful to them for scouting me from Nigeria. It was amazing to score against them.’