Emmanuel Dennis has heaped praise on Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson when talking to BBC Radio Nottingham.
The Reds talisman was put up for an interview ahead of Tuesday’s game with Brighton.
He was quizzed on Johnson following his penalty miss against Wolves that cost Forest the chance to claim a point.
Dennis has found game time hard to come by since signing for Forest in August.
He did score against Aston Villa, however, during his first start in the Garibaldi as the Reds drew 1-1.
Dennis has explained that Johnson shouldn’t beat himself up about his penalty blunder.
He told BBC Radio Nottingham: “He’s a very young guy and a very good player. In the dressing room he had his head down and I got his head up. I said that this will make him strong.
“He’s a very good player, he’s very young and he will learn from the miss.”
Dennis wasn’t used during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Brighton, remaining on the bench throughout.
Having played regularly for Watford last season he will want to make his mark with a regular run of games.
The bad thing for Steve Cooper, however, is that with 22 new players to blend together he will have to keep striving for the winning formula.
Dennis has heaped praise on Brennan Johnson
The Nigerian international has used his Premier League experience to help the Forest youngster.
Johnson won’t be defined by his penalty miss and clearly, he’s a bright talent for the future.
The 21-year-old scored 19 goals and claimed 10 assists last season.
Johnson was much better in terms of work rate against Brighton on Tuesday and he is capable of learning.
The Forest academy graduate has come in for some criticism this season.
A lot of it has been somewhat unjust and it’s good to see that his teammates are firmly in his corner.