Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has praised Aaron Donnelly after the Reds thrashed Grimsby 3-0.
The youngster was handed his first senior outing and he didn’t disappoint in the left-sided wing-back role.
Donnelly was a regular in Andy Reid’s under-23 outfit last season and looks set for a bright future.
Forest rang the changes against their League Two opposition and the young defender was handed a chance to make his debut.
It proved a proud moment for the talented player and showcased that the pathway is still clear.
Cooper was happy with how the player performed and afterwards, he raved about him.
The head coach told the official website: “It was great for some of the new players to play and I also thought Aaron Donnelly was excellent tonight.
“It’s great for these players to experience playing in front of our away fas too, and they were brilliant as usual tonight.”
Donnelly was a mainstay in the Forest under-23 outfit last season, making 22 appearances and scoring twice.
He has a sound left foot and is capable of playing as a wing-back or as a full-back in the Forest team
Donnelly praised by Cooper and the future looks bright
With Omar Richards currently out injured for another month, it looks as though Donnelly might have a part to play.
Harry Toffolo is in possession of the shirt right now for the Premier League campaign but he will need backup.
Forest are still looking for another left-back but if they don’t land one, Donnelly looks capable.
Despite winning promotion to the Premier League, it’s great to see Forest stick with their principles.
The youth academy is a big thing on Trentside and fans won’t want that to be abandoned just because the club is now in the top flight.
Donnelly did his chances of more football no harm at all last night and Cooper’s praise should do wonders for his confidence.
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