Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper told Nottinghamshire Live after last night’s game that Julian Larsson was in his matchday squad for last night’s game.
Forest select 19 players for their squad, leaving one player as a standby; essentially a player there just in case someone breaks down during the warm-up.
Last night, Larsson was the man handed that chance after a string of fine performances at under-23 level in the Premier League 2 campaign.
The 20-year-old has been a regular in Andy Reid’s under-23 team this season. He has scored four goals during 2021/22 and has played in a number of attacking positions.
Following last night’s game, Cooper told Nottinghamshire Live: “We’d have Lewis and Keinan, and Xande, and Julian Larsson was in the squad today as well, although obviously he didn’t get changed.”
The Swedish performer has the potential to make the grade at first-team level. Last night’s selection by Cooper indicates that he’s clearly in his thoughts.
It’s been a tough baptism of fire for the Forest under-23s this season. After a difficult start to the Premier League 2 campaign, the Reds are now holding their own against better opposition.
Larsson has been a vital part of the team. He’s struck up quite a partnership with Will Swan and he’d have welcomed the experience of last night.
Pathway: Future is bright for Larsson at Forest
It must be such a buzz for younger players to see how clear the pathway to Steve Cooper’s squad is. Ateef Konate made his league debut last night and Larsson might be next.
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Lyle Taylor heading out on loan will certainly open a door. Should Keinan Davis or Lewis Grabban suffer an injury then an under-23 player could be required to make the step up.
Larsson looks like an exciting talent and the next challenge for him will be to keep working hard and grasp his first-team chance when it comes along.
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