Chris Hughton has admitted to Nottinghamshire Live that he has been keeping a close eye on Nottingham Forest gem Brennan Johnson.
The youngster is on loan at Lincoln City where he has scored two goals and registered four assists during his time at the club.
Johnson came through the Forest academy and has eight first-team appearances to his name at the City Ground.
The youngster is yet to have had a chance to impress Chris Hughton since he replaced Sabri Lamouchi.
Forest’s new incumbent is seemingly a fan of the player though, suggesting as much ahead of Forest’s trip to Barnsley.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “I’m keeping tabs on how he’s doing and I’ve watched some footage of him playing.
“He’s a talented player, that’s for sure. I’m looking forward to seeing him more of him.
“We’re very much keeping tabs on him.
“It’s always really good to see somebody who came through the system going out on loan and performing.
“He is doing well and it’s brilliant for him to get his first cap for Wales.”
Could Johnson earn January recall?
Right now the 19-year-old is playing regular football in the league below Forest and performing impeccably well.
The Wales international is gaining so much confidence from each performance that Forest must be careful with the decision they make.
At the LNER Stadium he is playing regular football in a team that tries to play the right way and he’s clearly relishing that aspect.
He is has played out wide and through the middle as a No.10 or as a central midfielder, gaining experience in a number of roles.
If Forest do have a desire to bring him back to the City Ground in January, there should be a clear plan in mind.
The Reds recalled Tyler Walker last January and left him sat on the bench until he eventually departed in the summer.
If Forest have a plan to use Johnson then he should be recalled. If not, the club would be wise to let him spend the campaign at Lincoln.