Nottingham Forest starlet Aaron Donnelly played in a bizarre game on Saturday as Port Vale were beaten. The 3-2 defeat to Lincoln City saw manager Darrell Clark pay the price for some poor form and lose his job.
The 19-year-old joined the Valiants on loan in January, signing until the end of the season. He has been handed the chance to play regular men’s football and he’s grasped it with aplomb.
Typically he’s been operating on the left-hand side of a back three. With Clarke now gone, however, he might be asked to play in his more natural position at left-back in a back four.
It’s disappointing to see Clarke dismissed. He’s worked wonders at Vale Park and they’re well on course to reach the 50-point mark and remain in the third tier for another season.
The club only reached League One last season. They went to Wembley for the Play-Off Final and defeated Mansfield Town to win promotion, with Clarke the architect of a brilliant campaign.
On Saturday, Donnelly played during a remarkable game. Port Vale had two men sent off, with Lincoln also having their goalkeeper sent off during a bizarre clash.
It would appear that the Reds-owned defender showcased his versatility. Stoke Sentinel said of his performance: “Started on the left of the back three then went to left back of a back four when his side were down to ten men.”
Donnelly played in bizarre game and he looks versatile
The teenager could land himself a chance at Forest next season. If the team are relegated from the Premier League, there could be a chance for him to shine in the senior ranks.
Steve Cooper is a huge fan of the defender. He handed him his debut when the Reds played Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and after the game, the boss raved about his performance.
Forest have a proud history with their youth academy. Donnelly is performing well at Port Vale and given he can play as a centre-back or full-back, Cooper will surely take a look at him next season.
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