The Nottingham Forest academy has for many years been the envy of many clubs throughout the football pyramid and right now a number of youngsters are out on loan.
Forest have made millions by utilising academy players down the years. Most recently Brennan Johnson left for Tottenham in a deal worth £47.5 million but before him, there was Matty Cash, Oliver Burke, Ben Brereton Diaz and Arvin Appiah who fetched big transfer fees.
The Reds are now trying desperately to unearth the next Johnson. Forest have Ryan Yates as the only academy graduate in the first-team ranks at the moment, with Zach Abbott also knocking on the door.
Forest allowed Joe Gardner to join Lincoln on loan in January. Elsewhere, Esapa Osong joined Cambridge on loan, with Dale Taylor also with Wigan where he’s been producing the goods all season.
- READ MORE: Nottingham Forest player ratings vs Fulham
Jamie McDonnell stars as Colchester draw with Carlisle
Another player who has been playing well out on loan is McDonnell. After arriving at Colchester in the summer, he’s taken some time to settle but is now showcasing exactly what he’s capable of.
The U’s enjoyed a successful away day yesterday by claiming a point from a long away trip to Carlisle who are struggling to remain in the EFL this season following an abysmal time of things.
McDonnell has been playing as a defensive midfielder and yesterday he was simply outstanding, leading by example from the middle of the park and claiming remarkable figures from the match.
Who Scored shows that McDonnell won 11 aerial challenges during his 90 minutes on the pitch which for a midfielder is quite something.
He was also not fazed by getting himself stuck into the action. He won six tackles – the most of any Colchester player – and also picked up a yellow card for his troubles too.
Forest might look at McDonnell in the summer
At 20, the Forest youngster is hardly what you’d consider young in football terms and after a year of playing alongside men, he will want to continue that trend next year.
McDonnell does have one year to run on his Forest deal, however. With that in mind, perhaps his good form in League Two could prompt Nuno Espirito Santo to take a look at him in pre-season.
The player does look to have a strong skill set for men’s football. He’s a physical presence, isn’t afraid to put himself about and he’s also showcased versatility to play in midfield and at centre-back.
Forest are looking to avoid abandoning the club’s academy as they establish themselves as a Premier League club. As a result, promoting McDonnell next season might be a popular move among the fan base.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
