Nottingham Forest under-21s captain Jamie McDonnell was once again spotted with the senior team last night as the players arrived at the City Ground. The youngster was left out of the squad on this occasion but the experience should put him in good shape.
It’s been a crazy few days for the player. He starred on Friday night as the Reds’ under-21s beat Aston Villa 4-3 and then he travelled with the first-team to Liverpool on Saturday.
The centre-back was a mystery face among the Forest squad when the team arrived at Anfield. 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.
Last night, he was sat with other members of the squad who weren’t involved. It would seem as though he was the 21st member of Steve Cooper’s squad and perhaps he will be set for a bright future.
McDonnell spotted with Forest senior team
It’s a really positive step that Cooper is giving these young players this sort of experience. With a host of talent at his disposal and Forest struggling, it would be easy to dismiss the academy lads.
McDonnell is a talented player and being in and around the first team can only serve him well. He will be picking up vital bits of information from the current crop and it should put him in good stead.
Given that the Northern Irishman plays as a central defender, a chance could be forthcoming very soon. Scott McKenna went off injured at Liverpool, whilst last night Moussa Niakhate went off injured early doors.
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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