Michael Dawson praised Nottingham Forest midfielder Jonjo Shelvey on Soccer Saturday as the Reds lost 2-0 to Fulham. The ex-Newcastle United star came on for the final 30 minutes to make his debut in the Garibaldi.
The ex-Forest defender was watching the game for Soccer Saturday. He has often been complimentary of the team in recent months too, with Shelvey coming in for praise at the weekend.
Shelvey was a surprise signing by the Reds on transfer deadline day. He ended his seven-year stay at Newcastle by signing terms on a permanent deal at the City Ground.
The 30-year-old still has plenty left to offer. His career has taken him to Swansea, Liverpool and Newcastle after beginning through the academy with Charlton Athletic.
Dawson was impressed with the cameo appearance made by Shelvey. He used his platform on Soccer Saturday to suggest exactly what he might bring to the Forest team.
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He said: “He certainly creates chances, he gets on the ball and makes things happen. That’s something that Forest in the first 60 minutes, or even in previous games, have been missing.
“He will get on the ball in the middle of the field, he’s got a wide range of passes, he’s a very confident player. Not just confident, he can execute that pass when he sees it, if it’s a long-range one he can hit that.”
Dawson praised Shelvey and he could be a huge signing
Eyebrows were raised when Forest entered the race to sign Shelvey with just days until the transfer deadline. The player was nursing a hamstring problem, although he is now back on the mend.
On Saturday he made his Forest debut and it was a pleasing performance. He will need some time to get up to speed but ultimately he looks like he could prove a very useful signing.
Both Eddie Howe and Jamaal Lascelles praised Shelvey following his Newcastle exit. Clearly, he’s a positive influence in the dressing room and that should help Forest in their survival quest.
The Reds will have high hopes for Shelvey. Under Cooper, he could thrive and Forest will certainly hope that he can hit the ground running.