Martin O’Neill tells Ryan Yates exactly what he thinks of him in honest admission after Nottingham Forest win

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Nottingham Forest have climbed up to fifth spot in the Premier League table following their win on the road on Friday night.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side just continue to surprise with their fourth win of the Premier League campaign against Leicester City.

Forest have now racked up 16 points this season amid Alan Pardew’s recent admission that Forest will come off the rails soon.

After Ryan Yates opened the scoring for the Reds, Jamie Vardy quickly drew the proceedings level before half time.

However, Forest’s quality prevailed in the end with the in-form Chris Wood adding another two goals to his tally for the season.

But it was the scorer of the game’s opening goal who was on the receiving end huge praise from former Forest manager Martin O’Neill.

• READ MORE: The real reason Nottingham Forest decided to move for Nikola Milenkovic to partner Murillo

What Martin O’Neill said about Ryan Yates

It was another encouraging display from the Reds and the Forest fans certainly enjoyed themselves against their former manager.

The Forest fans were even heard singing Steve Cooper’s name from the away end at the King Power Stadium.

It was not just Cooper who was representing former Forest managers at the game on Friday night with O’Neill also in attendance as a pundit for SuperSport TV.

• READ MORE: Chris Wood will take the credit but 44-touch star was Nottingham Forest’s unsung hero vs Leicester

Speaking after the game, O’Neill was able to catch up with Yates – who he played under 15 times – with the Irishman waxing lyrical about the midfielder.

“Listen, I’ve got to tell you, Yatesy was out on loan at the time, trying to get some games. And you were the best trainer we had,” said O’Neill.

“Honestly, and you’ve deserved all the credit in the world. You really have done fantastic, really great, and considering a couple of things about it. Number one: I told the lads here, you are the top five in the country of getting free kicks for yourself. You’re still magical about that. Absolutely, no question.

“But you’ve got the heart the size of a lion. Honestly, it’s really great, great for the family, and great for you!”

Ryan Yates maximising run in starting XI

It has to be remembered that Yates did not start the opening day of the new season with Danilo’s injury providing him his opportunity.

However, the 26-year-old has since started five times in the Premier League and has captained the side for the last four games.

Despite not being the starter in the opening game of the term, Yates has summed up the attitude which Nuno is building among this group of players in being ready when they get their chance.

What will be interesting to see is whether Yates keeps his spot in the starting XI with Danilo making positive strides in his recovery from the ankle injury.