Michael Dawson believes Nottingham Forest are desperately missing Ryan Yates at the moment. The 25-year-old is currently out injured and the Reds are on a run of eight games without a victory in the Premier League.
The man who started his career at the City Ground has been discussing the academy graduate with the On and Off the Pitch podcast. Dawson spent a bit of time playing with Yates and it’s clear that he’s a huge fan of the midfielder.
Now working for Sky Sports, Dawson clearly holds Forest close to his heart. He’s taken time out from a busy broadcasting schedule to speak with Forest and he believes that Yates could be the answer to Forest’s problems if they can get him fit.
Dawson told the On and Off the Pitch Podcast: “He’s probably a little bit like I was. He does everything right on the pitch but he also does everything right off it too; eating the right stuff, sleeping at the right time and drinking the right stuff. Everything from looking after yourself to working hard in the gym.
“You want to see players do that and he’s done that. We’re a different team when he’s in it. Since he’s been out injured we’ve certainly missed him.
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“You look at where he’s been on loan; Barrow, Scunthorpe and Notts County. He’s worked hard to get this opportunity and I guarantee you that Forest miss him when he’s not playing.”
Dawson believes Forest are missing Yates
The defender had two spells on Trentside and he’s certainly got a point here. Yates has been sorely missed from the Forest team and the quicker Steve Cooper has him back at his disposal the better things could become.
The Reds are clinging on for dear life in their quest to avoid the bottom three. Another defeat on Saturday will see Forest go below the line, with Leicester and Bournemouth directly below them playing each other.
Yates won’t be available for the Reds again this weekend. Cooper will have to make do without the midfielder who suffered a shoulder injury during the recent game against Newcastle prior to the international break.
It’s always interesting to hear people who have played with Yates speak. He’s had his critics in the past but ultimately everyone who has shared a pitch with him is full of praise and Dawson is no different.