The lesser-spotted Arvin Appiah could get another run out for Nottingham Forest in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Derby.
The 18-year-old figured in a first round win over Fleetwood.
That is the only outing he has made this season.
As things stand, he has seen just 76 minutes of action.
Fellow academy graduate Brennan Johnson has taken in more Championship game time – albeit two minutes off the bench late on against West Brom.
Appiah hasn’t even been in contention to get on the field in the second tier.
He is a victim of the inflated squad working under Sabri Lamouchi.
And of summer transfer business.
The youngster wants to operate on the flanks.
Future
Unfortunately for him, so do Albert Adomah and Sammy Ameobi.
With Matty Cash already a few steps ahead of him when it comes to stepping out of the City Ground youth system.
Big things are expected of Appiah and time is on his side.
He is one for the future.
It is safe to assume that he would like to make an impression in the present as well.
Another opportunity to do just that may come his way against Derby.
Local pride may be at stake against the Rams, but the League Cup is no priority for the Reds.
Lamouchi made sweeping changes against Fleetwood and will likely favour a similar mindset in round two – even with the opposition taken into account.
He has admitted as much, saying in the Nottingham Post: “Of course there will be changes for Tuesday. It would be impossible otherwise. A lot of our players have played a lot of games.”
The Reds boss was speaking in the aftermath of a 2-1 win at Fulham.
Many of those who figured at Craven Cottage will likely get a midweek rest.
Leaving them fresh for when Preston pay a visit to Trentside on Saturday.
Promising
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That could play into the hands of Appiah and Co.
Lamouchi vowed to give his promising youngsters game time heading into a meeting with Fleetwood.
He said in the Post on Appiah and Johnson: “They still have the chance to play this season. I will give them some moments this year because they are doing great work during the training sessions.”
Appiah got “some moments” last season.
Martin O’Neill bought into his obvious potential and gave him five outings – to go with previous cameos under Aitor Karanka in league and cup competition.
A first goal was recorded in the Carabao Cup against Burton.
Fresh terms would also come his way, with the England U19 international committing to a deal through to 2023.
That agreement represented long-term thinking from all concerned.
In the short-term, though, there should still be the chance for Appiah to prove his worth before potential loan moves come into the equation.
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