Paul Merson has praised Nottingham Forest for their signing of Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. He’s also made a survival prediction regarding the Reds and supporters will like it.
Forest added the 30-year-old maestro to their ranks on deadline day. The player said goodbye to the Newcastle supporters as they reached the Carabao Cup Final last night.
Shelvey has only made five appearances during the 2022/23 campaign. Naturally, that makes his arrival at Forest a bit of a risk but if Steve Cooper can get a tune out of him, they’ve got a quality player.
The midfielder has been with Newcastle since 2016. He’s made 202 appearances for the club and helped them return to the Premier League by winning the Championship in 2016/17.
Merson is a huge fan of Shelvey it would seem. He believes that Forest might have hit the jackpot with the signing of the midfielder.
He told Sky Sports News: “Only time will tell. I like Shelvey though, I think he’s a top player, a good midfielder who gets on the ball and uses it well. I actually think Forest will stay up.
“They’ve got a chance for sure. You’re bringing in experience, you’re bringing in a brave footballer and that’s what you’ll need in certain games.
“He has played in front of big crowds and he will get on the ball and be brave with it.”
Merson has praised Shelvey after Forest move
It’s clear that the former Arsenal star fancies Shelvey as a good signing. Now, the Reds have a clear challenge to get him fit and back to his best.
Shelvey is an experienced player and he could be a useful player. Fans’ reservations are understandable, however, given his extensive injury record of late.
Still, in Forest’s current situation, he should be a very capable addition to the ranks.
It’s a nice change of pace for Merson to be praising Forest. He believes they have a chance of staying up now and if Shelvey hits the ground running he might be proved right.