Nottingham Forest beat Tottenham 2-0 in the Carabao Cup and during the game, Brian Laws lauded Jesse Lingard.
The former Manchester United player scored his first goal for the club, getting his head on the end of a Sam Surridge knockback.
Lingard was clearly delighted to score for the Reds. He delivered a trademark celebration and sent the City Ground into raptures.
The 29-year-old has struggled for form on Trentside. Naturally, that has seen some outsiders deliver a ‘told you so’ attitude.
But, in truth, it’s never been through a lack of trying. Lingard arrived with much of pre-season competed and it’s been hard for him to get up to speed.
Clearly, the player has been doing some stuff behind the scenes. Last night, he looked more like the confident player that has earned 32 England caps during his career.
Laws was a key member of Brian Clough’s team in the early nineties. He was delivering analysis for Radio Nottingham during last night’s game.
He had some praise for the player and felt he was sound throughout the contest.
Laws said live on air: “Welcome to Nottingham Forest, Jesse Lingard.
“Tonight, he’s had an exceptional game.”
Lingard lauded by Laws after Tottenham are beaten
Some supporters simply refuse to give the ex-United player praise. Even after last night’s performance, some couldn’t bring themselves to offer praise.
But, this has to be the start now for Lingard. This performance will definitely give him some confidence.
He was brilliant throughout the contest and he will know that the challenge now is to produce it on a more consistent basis.
Lingard is clearly capable. He’s been there and seen it all before, spending the majority of his career playing at the very highest level.
Forest fans might not have seen the best of Lingard just yet. Ultimately, there were flashes of promise last night, however, and the Reds will hope there is more to come.