Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has heaped praise on Sam Surridge after his first Premier League goal. The 24-year-old talisman was on hand to tap home and claim Forest a point against Bournemouth.
Jaiden Anthony had given the Cherries a first-half lead at the Vitality Stadium. It had looked as though they’d claimed a huge win but Surridge scored with seven minutes remaining.
After scoring eight goals in the Championship for the Reds during 2021/22, he’s had to wait patiently this season. He’s largely been used as a substitute and before yesterday he hadn’t scored.
Now, his duck has been broken in the Premier League and he will hope for more. Surridge is likely to be kept around at Forest, despite being linked with a move away from the City Ground.
Cooper is a big fan of his talisman. He signed the player from Stoke for £2.3 million and it’s fair to say that he’s got the best out of him since he arrived at Forest.
After his first Premier League goal, Cooper told Nottinghamshire Live: “We’re really fond of Sam. He’s been excellent since he came in about 12 months ago. I can only say positive things about him.
“First and foremost, he works hard. He’s a really popular lad, a brilliant teammate and he’s never let us down. He’s scored some really important goals for us.”
Cooper heaps praise on Surridge
The youngster will be delighted to notch his first Premier League goal. Now, the challenge will be to earn a start and look as useful when he’s handed a start in the top flight.
It’s of no slight on the striker but his better performances since promotion have been as an impact substitute. He will be keen to start more frequently though and he has to grasp a chance.
Yesterday, he did his chances no harm whatsoever. He looked lively once again when he came on and timed his run to perfection to tap home the equalising goal for the Reds.
Cooper is right to praise Surridge. He’s been a model professional since he came to the City Ground and hopefully, he can kick on now and score a few more goals this season.