Dean Henderson was Nottingham Forest’s hero last night as the Reds beat Wolves 4-3 on penalties in the Carabao Cup. His joy soon turned to despair though, with Manchester United up next for Forest in the last four.
The England goalkeeper saved two penalties during the shootout. After 90 minutes the score was locked at 1-1, with Raul Jimenez cancelling out Willy Boly’s opening goal.
Henderson had made two quality saves in the first half of the tie. His first one was a fantastic one-handed effort and against Wolves, he truly showcased his class between the posts.
After saving Joe Hodge’s penalty he set off in celebration, with the City Ground in their raptures. Henderson saved brilliantly to deny the youngster after also saving from Ruben Neves.
Henderson’s joy was short-lived. Around 30 minutes after the game had finished it was announced that Forest would face Manchester United over two legs in the semi-final of the competition.
That means that the one-time England star won’t be able to play. He is on loan at the City Ground from Old Trafford and will now be ineligible for both of the forthcoming games.
It’s a real shame that Henderson will miss out on those two clashes. He’s been brilliant for Forest this season and ultimately, the Reds are in the last four down to his brilliance.
Henderson is Forest hero and he will be gutted
Southampton will face Newcastle in the other semi-final. Henderson must have been hoping that United would draw one of those two and Forest get the other so that he could play.
A chance to play in a semi-final would have been the icing on the cake for Henderson. He’s worked hard this season and after his heroics last night he deserves the chance.
Forest can ask United for permission to play Henderson. Given that Erik ten Hag said he was glad that the player couldn’t play against the Reds in the league, however, it looks unlikely it will be granted.
It will now be a case of the next man up for Forest. Wayne Hennessey had made two appearances in the Carabao Cup this season and he will now have two games against United to look forward to.