Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough has heaped praise on Nottingham Forest youngsters Riley Harbottle and Will Swan.
The Stags’ boss took the Reds pair on loan for the season in the summer as he bids to win promotion to League One.
Clough still sits second on the list of all-time leading goalscorers at Forest and he’s a legend on the banks of the River Trent.
The son of legendary manager, Brian has been mightily impressed with Harbottle and Swan so far during their time at One Call Stadium.
He told the club’s media team on YouTube: “We’ve been pleased with them and we’re actually a bit surprised at how much they’ve both played.
“They’ve both been brilliant from the day they joined us.
“We’re absolutely delighted with both of them. They’ve fitted in and that’s the biggest thing you worry about sometimes with young lads from a Premier League club.
“They’ve both been absolutely spot on.”
Harbottle and Swan have each scored three goals since they checked in at Mansfield on loan.
The Stags drew 2-2 with Hartlepool on Friday night, with Clough disgruntled at his team for throwing a two-goal lead away.
Clough heaped praise on Mansfield duo and it bodes well for Forest
The Reds legend is a big fan of utilising young talent, with Swan and Harbottle likely to benefit from the loan in North Nottinghamshire.
Both players are rated highly by Forest, with Harbottle, in particular, signing a new contract before heading to Mansfield.
Going out on loan is something that the staff behind the scenes at the City Ground are keen to do with the younger players.
Swan and Harbottle are both performing well. Clough won’t be taking any passengers on Trentside and they will have to work hard.
Clough has been around the block in football. As a result, the Forest duo look to be in safe hands for the remainder of the season.
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