Fornah keeping us on our toes, says Yates
RYAN Yates says fellow midfielder Tyrese Fornah is providing “fantastic competition” for a place in the Nottingham Forest team.
After impressing on loan with Plymouth Argyle last season, Fornah has returned to the City Ground eager to catch the eye of boss Chris Hughton.
The 21-year-old was handed his first start for the Reds in the Carabao Cup win over Bradford City, then made his Championship debut on Wednesday, coming off the bench to replace Jack Colback against Blackburn Rovers.
And Yates says a year away has been beneficial for his Forest teammate.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Tyrese. He does everything right. He’s a great professional and a really good lad,” he said.
“I watched him against Bradford. Before he had his loan, I think he was a little bit tentative, but since he’s come back, he’s been so good.
“He knows his game inside out.
His passing range is fantastic. Positionally, he’s very, very good.
“It’s fantastic competition, especially from someone who’s so hungry to play for the club - you can just tell that from the way he is around the place.
“Hopefully, he’s going to push us all on.
“Tyrese and other young lads like Fin (Back) and Jordan Gabriel haven’t played many minutes for the club, but they’re so hungry. I could go on, there’s more young lads who are fighting so hard for a shirt. That’s only going to increase the performance of the team.”
Yates captained the Reds in the opening two games of the League campaign, in the absence of Lewis Grabban and Joe Worrall.
And despite the results, he says it was a special moment to lead the players out of the tunnel.
“It was a massive moment for me. I’m so proud and honoured,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, lead the lads out. To do it in the first game of the season, when we had sold the away end out, it was just such a good feeling. ”I wouldn’t say I do anything differently. “Whether I have the armband or not, it doesn’t really change the way I am, being vocal. “It’s just nice to be recognised, that the gaffer is putting his faith in me to lead the lads out and lead by example. “You can shout as much as you want, but the main objective of being a captain should be showing that you’re performing well and leading by example.”