Nottingham Forest exited the Carabao Cup but Steve Cooper did manage to get Oliver Hammond and Detlef Esapa Osong on the pitch in a rare bright moment.
With the game petering to a close and Forest set to lose 2-0, Cooper introduced the academy graduates into the action.
Hammond has made a first-team appearance before but for Osong this was an experience that he will never forget.
The Reds have a youth academy to be proud of and the work done by Gary Brazil and his team will be cherished constantly.
Osong has been scoring for fun for the under-18 and under-23 teams in recent seasons and he deserved this shot.
The player didn’t really get a touch of the ball but being 3-0 down from the first leg it was nice to see Cooper make the choice to include them on the bench.
Osong is a star of the future. He’s powerful, quick and scores goals for fun when given a chance in and around the penalty area.
For Hammond, it was perhaps a surprise that he didn’t manage to get himself out on loan during the January transfer window.
He’s a very useful player but at 20-years-old he would perhaps benefit from a spell with an EFL club.
Osong has scored 10 goals so far during 2022/23 for the academy ranks and this should do his confidence the world of good.
Forest exited Carabao Cup but Hammond and Osong will cherish experience
The Reds can be very proud of their academy. It’s made millions for the academy over the years and is one of the best at producing players in the country.
Osong and Hammond were recognised at Old Trafford for their hard work and they will never forget this night.
The challenge for them will be to continue performing with the academy ranks and earn more of these opportunities at senior level.
Forest have enjoyed a sound run in the Carabao Cup this season and Cooper’s decision to hand the academy duo a run-out proved a heartwarming moment.