Nottingham Forest youngster Riley Harbottle has admitted that he’s ticked off a dream come true at the City Ground. The centre-back is back involved with the under-23 ranks after picking up a frustrating injury earlier in the season.
His return to action has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Andy Reid’s men. They have four games remaining of their Premier League 2 campaign and can still make the end of season play-offs.
Harbottle has been with Forest for several years, progressing through the youth ranks. Earlier during 2021/22, he received the call-up to the first team by Chris Hughton for two Carabao Cup clashes.
His first outing ended in a 2-1 win for the Reds, with the second seeing a young Forest team defeated by Premier League outfit Wolves.
Harbottle was delighted with those outings and has told the club’s official media team that it really was a dream come true.
He said: “It was a dream of mine since the age of seven when I joined the club. I was buzzing. Words can’t describe that feeling of walking out onto the City Ground turf.”
Harbottle will be back in action tomorrow night. The Reds under-23s face a massive game against Wolves and a win would really ignite their play-off push.
Defender Harbottle can make Forest first-team step
The 21-year-old is uncompromising in stature and he has all the ingredients to become a fine player. Gary Brazil raved about him earlier this week and the future looks very bright.
Harbottle could find next season a big one for him personally. He could head out on loan and get a full season of men’s football under his belt in the Football League.
A hardworking performer, Harbottle is Nottingham born and bred and with that in mind, he will relish every single opportunity that comes his way at the City Ground.
Forest have a proud history with their academy. On current form, Harbottle might just find himself as the next cab off the ranks from the under-23 ranks.
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