Johnson is ready for ‘real stuff’ in push for the Premier
NOTTINGHAM Forest star Brennan Johnson says it is time for the “real stuff” as the Reds prepare for a Championship play-off semi-final clash against Sheffield United.
The young attacker has drawn plenty of praise for his stellar performances this season and shortly after the Reds’ 1-1 draw against Hull City, he posted a short message on his Instagram account saying “Season done! Onto the real stuff”.
Johnson has been a key part of Steve Cooper’s Forest squad and his brilliant form has been imperative to the Reds’ rise up the Championship table.
The 20-year-old, who opened the scoring against Hull with a late penalty before the Tigers levelled, has scored 16 goals and added nine assists this season.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jobi Mcanuff has backed Forest for promotion to the Premier League ahead of their Championship play-off fixtures against the Blades.
He was a Sky Sports pundit for coverage of Luton Town’s 1-0 win over Reading which means the Hatters will face Huddersfield Town in the other Championship play-off semi-final.
Mcanuff - who has won promotion twice as a player for the Royals and Leyton Orient - expects Forest to reach the Premier League.
Asked by Sky Sports presenter David Prutton who will win the playoffs, Mcanuff said: “Luton Town and Huddersfield are the two underdogs.
“They certainly were at the start of the season but still are now when you look at their budgets, they are two teams that have done really well. Then you’ve got two heavyweights in terms of this division for sure.
“Forest, I just have a feeling about them because of how well they have done to get to this position.
“There are a lot of teams arriving in good form, though. Huddersfield have been magnificent.
“If I’m to be pushed for one then I’d back Nottingham Forest.”
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Glenn Murray added: “I think Forest were undone by Bournemouth’s experience the other week but that game felt like a play-off game so gives them some big-game experience heading into the playoffs.
“It’s going to be a real tough tie to pick between Forest and Sheffield United.
“Luton go into the play-offs as the underdogs and Huddersfield enter on good form. Who knows to be honest!” ■■Nottingham Forest first team coach Steven Reid “could be in the running” to become the next AFC Wimbledon manager, according to a report.
Reid spent a brief spell coaching at Wimbledon at the back end of 2018 and left a good impression on players, staff and supporters alike. He then held senior coaching roles at West Bromwich Albion and the Scotland national team before moving to the City Ground in August 2021.
According to the South London Press, he is being touted to return to Wimbledon as their manager