Dale Taylor once again grabbed the headlines as Nottingham Forest claimed a victory over Ipswich Town during Saturday’s under-18 fixture.
Fresh from his hat-trick in a 7-0 rout of QPR last week, he fired another goal as Forest ran out 3-1 winners against the Tractor Boys.
Taylor was an interesting addition to the Forest youth ranks at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
The Northern Irishman checked in from Linfield where boss David Healy had trusted him to play first-team football at the age of 15.
Taylor didn’t let him down either, scoring his first goal for the club against Cliftonville a month after his debut.
Healy described the youngster as ‘exceptional’ and Forest could have a real talent on their hands if his progression continues.
He is thriving in Gareth Holmes’ under-18 ranks and at this rate he should be in the under-23s in no time.
Taylor has come from a club where he has earned himself a shot at first-team football and that will undoubtedly give him a desire for more.
Having the ability to score goals naturally is a gift and Taylor looks like an exciting prospect who could make an impact in the future at Forest.
The recruitment at the City Ground has drawn some criticism – and it’s hard to argue with that.
A scatter-gun approach from overseas hasn’t always worked and perhaps Gary Brazil should have more of a say on that side of things.
He looks to have hit the jackpot in adding Taylor to the academy ranks and in the Northern Irishman, Forest look to have unearthed a gem.
The under-18s are next in action when they face Cardiff City at the Nigel Doughty academy on Saturday morning.