Liverpool icon Ian Rush has lauded Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson during the England v Wales clash live on BBC Sport. The 21-year-old was introduced at half-time as the Three Lions destroyed their rivals 3-0 to send Rob Page’s men out of the World Cup.
Rush is a Liverpool and Wales legend. He was one of the best strikers of his generation and scored a remarkable 346 goals for the Anfield greats; a total that is yet to be eclipsed by another Reds star.
For Wales, he never got to taste playing for his country at a major tournament. He did, however, score 28 goals from 73 appearances and always gave his all for the national team.
Johnson is the future of Welsh football. Last season saw him really start to break into the national team on a regular basis when he scored 19 goals as Forest won promotion to the Premier League.
He may have found his first World Cup experience frustrating, however. He failed to start a game and was forced to play the role of impact substitute in all three games in Group A.
Rush is seemingly a big fan though. He is keen to see more of the exciting youngster and thinks he can make a big impact for Wales in the future.
He told BBC live on air: “I would like to see what this young lad can do. He’s going to be some player this one, he’s a great player.”
Johnson lauded by Rush
On one hand, it’s frustrating that Johnson didn’t play a bit more in Qatar. On the other, it’s refreshing knowing that he will come back to Forest injury-free and ready to shine in the Premier League.
Johnson is still young. His time will come and there will be plenty more major tournaments for him to get involved in on the international stage.
It’s interesting to see Rush praise the Reds star. He clearly fancies him as a player who can perform on the biggest stage and it will be interesting to see how he develops in the future.
The immediate challenge for Johnson is clear. After losing his place in Steve Cooper’s team prior to the World Cup he must knuckle down and get his shirt back at the City Ground.
Every Forest fan knows what Johnson is capable of. As a result, he can’t let this World Cup experience knock his confidence and he needs to come roaring back to form at the City Ground.