Been brilliant’: Steve Cooper wowed by 18-year-old Nottingham Forest gem
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has lauded the commitment of Josh Powell during the club’s pre-season tour of Spain. The Reds ended their trip with a 2-1 win over Levante yesterday morning and are now back in England.
Powell is a product of the club’s youth academy. He has been utilized as a left-back during Forest’s pre-season campaign and played against the La Liga side yesterday morning.
The youngster could be the next player to emerge from the club’s youth academy. With the club not overly stocked on left-backs, the teenager will feel he has a genuine chance to impress.
Powell burst onto the scene during the 2021/22 campaign. He starred against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup Final, scoring to draw Forest level at Old Trafford.
Last season, he was flitting between the under-18s and under-21s. Now, he will feel as though he can make the step up to first-team action and it’s fair to say that Cooper has been impressed.
He said after yesterday’s game: “I’ve got to say, Josh Powell has been brilliant in this trip. I’m really proud of what he’s done this week.”
Now, Cooper has a decision to make. The club could well sign a left-back during this transfer window but it’s fair to say that Powell has now given the head coach something of a headache.
Cooper lauds Powell after Forest win in Spain
Yesterday’s friendly proved very useful indeed for the Reds. Ryan Yates and Danilo scored the goals for Forest and it proved to be a good test for the Premier League outfit.
Powell will now feel that he has a genuine chance to shine. As a youngster, he will know that Cooper isn’t afraid to call on the academy players and he’s done his chances no harm at all.
The player works tirelessly when he’s called upon. He never gives the opposition an inch and hopefully, the youngster can kick on during the 2023/24 campaign.
Cooper’s praise will mean a lot to the player. It’s always nice to know you have the backing of your manager and Powell will now hope to get more minutes as the Reds step up their pre-season programme.
