Nottingham Forest gem called up to the first-team squad 12 months after breaking his leg

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Nuno Espirito Santo is striving to get things right at Nottingham Forest and he’s also trying to dispel a certain myth about his management.

When the head coach was appointed on Trentside one perception was that Espirito Santo had a less-than-impressive record with academy players at Wolves.

The Forest boss has made some inroads into that theory though and he’s trying to ensure the pathway remains clear for the club’s academy stars.

Zach Abbott played for England at under-19 level this week and he is one player who might feel that he’s the next to emerge from the conveyor belt at Forest.

With the second break now upon us, training has been somewhat restricted with a number of Forest stars on international duty.

That has allowed some gaps in the squad during training and Espirito Santo looks to have made the numbers up wisely.

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Nottingham Forest gem Sam Collins trains with Espirito Santo’s squad

For Collins, it’s been a tricky 12 months but thankfully it would appear that he’s getting back on track with his career.

The young midfielder was seriously injured playing in the EFL Trophy against Carlisle last season, with Paul Simpson sending heartfelt comments to Forest gem Collins.

It’s been a long road back at Forest for Collins who suffered a broken leg and the 21-year-old hasn’t actually made it back onto the pitch in a game just yet.

However, he has now been spotted training with the Forest first team as Espirito Santo puts the players not on international duty through their paces.

Collins will definitely be getting some game time with the B-Team soon and tonight the Reds play Valencia in the Premier League International Cup.

Collins will be desperate to prove himself at Forest

The chances to train with the first team don’t come around too often and every opportunity has to be grasped by the young players.

Espirito Santo is trying his best to enhance his image in terms of academy players though and the B-Team players will have tried desperately to catch the manager’s eye.

Collins has lost 12 months of his career and it’s great to see him back on the training pitch wearing the Forest gear and trying to prove himself.

At 21, the player has already been given a professional contract and he will know that in the coming months, he has to really kick on and showcase his talent at the club.