Nottingham Forest under-21s captain Jamie McDonnell was spotted with the senior team yesterday as they arrived at Anfield. The youngster wasn’t in the squad on this occasion but the experience should put him in good shape.
It was a whirlwind 24 hours for the 19-year-old player. He started the game and was the captain as the under-21s defeated Aston Villa 4-3 on Friday night to keep their title hopes alive.
The centre-back was a mystery face among the Forest squad when the team arrived at Anfield yesterday. He didn’t make the squad but he was spotted sitting on the bench with the injured players.
McDonnell has a bright future in the game. He’s already earned a professional contract at the City Ground and will remain at the club until the summer of 2024 at the very earliest.
The player has enjoyed a really good 2022/23 campaign. He’s made 17 appearances for the Reds and has helped the team pick up some really positive results in recent months.
McDonnell will now be champing at the bit to get on the bench. As a central defender, he might not be as far away as it may seem with Scott McKenna going off injured again yesterday.
McDonnell spotted with Forest senior team
This is a really positive step. With the Reds sliding down the Premier League, it’s good that Cooper is still willing to offer the young players a clear pathway to try and grasp opportunities.
McDonnell watched tentatively from the bench yesterday. He appeared to be soaking everything in and the player looks set to enjoy a really right future in the game.
Given that the Northern Irishman plays as a central defender, a chance could be forthcoming very soon. Joe Worrall, Felipe and Moussa Niakhate are currently in possession of the shirts but they’re not all irreplaceable.
It would be a huge jump from playing youth football to playing in the seniors. However, McDonnell is in fine form and his previous boss Dave Rogers has praised him recently on Twitter.
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