Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has been named in the starting line-up for the first two games of the season under Sabri Lamouchi.
The 22-year-old has sent a message on Twitter after helping the Reds pick up their first point of the season against Leeds United at Elland Road.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The former England Under-21 international spent last season on loan at Rangers in the Scottish Premier League after falling down the pecking order under the management of Aitor Karanka.
Worrall, one of the club’s academy graduates, played a key role in the Reds securing a 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes.
The 22-year-old sent a post-match message on social media and, predictably, Nottingham Forest supporters responded in their numbers, but it was a positive reaction for the most part.
Brilliant point on the road. Thank you to the away fans too, top class support all game. Something to build on and really get our season going now 💪🌲 #NFFC pic.twitter.com/b3qSwlRhYT
— Joe Worrall (@JoeWorrall5) August 10, 2019
Hero x
— Isaac Russell (@IsaacRu17) August 10, 2019
Well played 👍🤝
— Logan nffc⚽️🤙 (@LeesLogan) August 10, 2019
You play well today Joe
— Anton Harvey (@AntonHarvey1) August 10, 2019
Very poor ! Couldn’t string two passes giving the ball away, too quiet all over the pitch. Long way to go..
— Geoffrey marks (@Geoffreymarks6) August 10, 2019
Just as well you didn’t read Twitter at half-time 🙈
— WienerSchnitzel (@Schnitzel1972) August 10, 2019
man of the match today, especially first half 👏🏻
— connie🦒 (@connieaustin___) August 10, 2019
Options
The Reds do have numerous options at centre-back, which is why some supporters are surprised to see Worrall alongside Michael Dawson as the first choice pairing.
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Lamouchi also has Tobias Figueiredo, Alexander Milošević and Michael Hefele at his disposal. Yohan Benalouane is currently out injured. The Frenchman certainly isn’t short of options in that department.
Worrall wasn’t the only Nottingham Forest player to address the fans on social media after Saturday’s game. Both Matty Cash and goalscorer Lewis Grabban also sent out positive messages.
@NFFC great support today. And good point for us away from home. 🔴⚪
— Lewis Grabban (@grabbs22) August 10, 2019
Tough places to go today! Fantastic point, Great support in the away end 👏🏼 #nffc
— Matty Cash (@mattycash622) August 10, 2019
The Reds return to action in midweek with a Carabao Cup match against Fleetwood Town at the City Ground. Given the size of his squad, it would be a surprise if Lamouchi didn’t make a number of changes.
(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
It provides the perfect opportunity to build up the fitness of some of his squad players.