Nottingham Forest promotion hero Philip Zinckernagel stole the show at the weekend during a big win for Standard Liege. The Belgian outfit defeated Genk 2-0 in the league, with the league leaders stunned.
The 28-year-old scored two first-half goals during the victory. In the second half, he picked up an unfortunate problem with his calf and was substituted 10 minutes after the interval.
Zinckernagel was one of the key members of the Forest team that won promotion. He made 50 appearances for the Reds, scoring seven goals and claiming 10 assists with the player starring under Steve Cooper.
His last appearance came in the Play-Off Final at Wembley. He played for 74 minutes as the Reds beat Huddersfield 1-0 and made a return to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.
Many felt that Zinckernagel would be signed permanently. Instead, it was Olympiacos who obtained his services, with the Greek champions signing him from Watford.
His time in Greece wasn’t a success though. Amid a host of changes, Zinckernagel found himself shipped out on loan to Standard Liege after just seven appearances and two goals.
He’s taken it all in his stride though. Zinckernagel is a wonderful professional and in Belgium, he’s scored nine goals and registered two assists from his 24 appearances.
Forest hero Zinckernagel scores twice in big win for Standard Liege
Zinckernagel will see his future discussed in the summer. Olympiacos have another new manager and perhaps he still has a future there. If he doesn’t, Liege will surely try and sign him.
There has to be the question asked over whether he could return to Forest. The Reds would surely welcome him back into the ranks, especially if they’re relegated from the Premier League.
Zinckernagel always gave his all in the Garibaldi. He bought into the traditions of the club and became a firm fan favourite during his time at the City Ground.
It’s perhaps unlikely that Forest will take a chance on Zinckernagel again. If they do find themselves back in the Championship, however, they could do a lot worse.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
