Nottingham Forest star Ryan Yates is ramping up his comeback by playing for the under-21s this afternoon. The Reds midfielder came on at Tottenham on Saturday and he’s edging closer to a return to the starting eleven.
Yates missed four games in the Premier League recently. He’s been sorely missed, with the Reds struggling for form on the pitch and slipping closer to the bottom three.
The 25-year-old would be a welcome addition to the senior team on Friday with Newcastle the visitors. Yates made an immediate impact during the recent draw with Everton, sliding in Brennan Johnson to score an equaliser.
This afternoon the under-21s face Bristol City. The young guns are looking to progress to the semi-final of the Premier League Cup and having Yates in the team should help.
Yates is familiar with playing academy football. He’s come through the youth ranks at the City Ground and has gone on to play 157 times for the team he supported as a boy.
Forest will face a stern test this afternoon. Bristol City defeated category one academy outfit Everton in the quarter-final and they will fancy another upset today.
The Reds overcame Derby in the last 16. Alex Mighten was in fine form that night and helped himself to a couple of assists during the clash at Derby’s training ground.
Yates to play for Forest under-21s at Bristol City
Getting Yates back on the pitch can’t come soon enough. He changes the dynamic of the midfielder when he plays and he’s been sorely missed.
Forest are now just two points above the relegation zone. They desperately need a victory and have two successive home games on the horizon against Newcastle and Wolves.
It’s not unfair to say that Forest could do with winning both of those games. The Reds don’t have many points to play with now and they’re in desperate need of victories to come sharpish.
Having Yates back on the pitch will certainly enhance Forest’s chances and hopefully the midfielder can star for the under-21s this afternoon.
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