Nottingham Forest talent Alex Mighten was rewarded for a decent breakthrough campaign after Saturday’s defeat to Preston.
The teenager was handed the Young Player of the Year award by the Nottingham Forest Supporters Club.
It’s a prestigious award for the talented forward and just rewards for some fine performances during 2020/21.
Mighten has enjoyed a steady campaign in the Garibaldi and next season is the time for Chris Hughton to start utilising him a bit more.
Although the 18-year-old played in 27 matches, he only started 13 of them. With that in mind, it’s difficult to call him a regular just yet.
In nine of Forest’s 46 Championship fixtures, Mighten wasn’t even on the bench, with Hughton being meticulous over his game time.
He did, however, feature in the final 10 games of the season, scoring Forest’s opening goal in a 3-1 win over QPR.
Mighten finished the campaign with three goals and one assist and improving those numbers will be a must going forward.
The signs have been largely encouraging though. Forest’s talented flyer has showcased maturity, an abundance of trickery and a willingness to learn.
That can only bode well for the future and with even more game time he could improve further.
Brennan Johnson was loaned out to continue his development but Forest should refrain from doing that with Mighten.
With Luke Freeman and Anthony Knockaert returning to their loan clubs and Sammy Ameobi likely to be released, the Reds could be short of wide options.
As a result, Hughton must throw his weight behind Mighten next season and keep him at the club to continue his development.
Receiving the accolade on Saturday should give Mighten the confidence to kick on during next season.
Now it’s up to Hughton to give him the first-team football that his talent desperately craves.
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