Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Roy Keane has heaped praise on Manchester United gem James Garner. The ex-United man was in the ITV studio as the Reds lost 1-0 to Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Garner will now head off to join up with the England under-21 squad. He’s been in superb form since the turn of the year and is making a real impact at Forest.
The Reds were spirited in defeat against Liverpool. Philip Zinckernagel had Forest’s best chance but he fluffed his lines after a delicious Brennan Johnson delivery.
Keane was delighted with the performance of Garner. He came in for the majority of praise from the ex-midfielder following the game.
He told ITV: “He’s got a good partnership with Yates going in the middle of midfield. I think they complement each other very well.
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“He’s very good technically and he likes to dictate the play, sit a little bit more than Yates. Tough game for him today, but this game is good for those young players to experience playing top teams like Liverpool. It’s a great way to learn.”
Garner set for stardom after Forest exit
Keane is right to say that playing in big games like last night is good for Garner. He’s learning at a frantic rate and he looks on course for a chance at United.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of some youthful exuberance in their midfield and the 21-year-old could genuinely provide it.
Garner may experience one final loan next season. That’s likely to be to a Premier League club though and promotion will be needed to retain his services.
Receiving praise from Keane is no mean feat. Garner will hope to take the comments on board and continue improving for the remainder of this season.