Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has heaped praise on Manchester United loan star James Garner during an interview with Nottinghamshire Live.
The 20-year-old joined the Reds from Old Trafford during the summer transfer window and netted his first goal of the season on Saturday.
Garner scored the first during a 2-0 win over Peterborough after being handed the chance to start in the number 10 role by Cooper.
Chris Hughton took the 20-year-old on loan for last season and he fired four goals in 20 appearances for Forest.
He’s taken some time to get up to speed during 2021/22 but he thoroughly deserved his goal and assist at the weekend.
After his performance against Darren Ferguson’s team, Cooper has been discussing the brilliance of the midfielder.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “For me, in the last three games he’s been excellent.
“Against Reading, he came on and was really, really good. He started against Luton and West Brom, and his performances were of a high level.
“Second half on Saturday he carried that on, so he’s in a good moment. But he’s got to stay really focused and aim to play even better next week.
Integral: Garner getting back to his best is good for Forest
It’s taken some time but seeing the on-loan United man start to come into his own again can only bode well.
Forest are in the midst of a busy run of fixtures and at this stage of the campaign, passengers aren’t ideal.
Garner is a mature player way beyond his years. On Saturday he showcased his versatility by playing in a more advanced role.
Having a player such as the 20-year-old can only be a good thing for Forest and with a plethora of options in midfield, Cooper is perhaps heading towards a conundrum.
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