Nottingham Forest could unearth a new Ryan Yates next season as gem dominates EFL clash

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Nottingham Forest have an academy that is the envy of many other football clubs and right now a number of talented youngsters are out on loan.

In January, Joe Gardner went to Lincoln on loan, Esapa Osong joined Cambridge, whilst Ben Perry has been praised by Kevin Nolan during his loan with Northampton.

Elsewhere, Wigan are keen to sign Dale Taylor permanently due to his brilliant form on loan too. The talented forward has been part of half of the goals that the Latics have managed this season and it’s another nod towards the Forest academy ranks.

It was claimed in the summer that Joe Worrall had taken Zach Abbott under his wing. He might be the next academy player to make waves in the first-team and has been on the fringes of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans this season.

• READ MORE: Predicted Nottingham Forest XI vs Ipswich in the FA Cup

Jamie McDonnell stars for Colchester United vs MK Dons

It’s not the first time that McDonnell has been praised this season but he was simply outstanding against MK Dons on Saturday as Colchester secured a huge win in League Two.

The 21-year-old has been in fine form since heading to Essex for a season-long loan. He showcased versatility across the campaign having played as a central defender or in the midfield engine room.

On Saturday he played the full 90 minutes as the club secured a deserved victory, with former Forest striker Lyle Taylor also playing in Danny Cowley’s team who now sit in mid-table.

McDonnell will return to Forest in the summer and he will have a year to run on his current contract. No current form, he might just get the chance to shine in pre-season back at the City Ground.

Forest could unearth new Ryan Yates

The Reds have Yates as the sole survivor from the Championship promotion-winning season and the midfielder has played in the top five divisions of English football now.

Yates has struggled for game time lately. However, he remains a key member of the squad on Trentside with his desire and commitment unrivalled.

McDonnell has shown unbelievable commitment to the cause at Colchester and as the stats show from Saturday, he’s clearly got the same tenacity attributes as Yates.

The player might be pushing it to immediately be thrust into Premier League action next year. However, the club might give him a contract extension, get him out on loan in the second tier next season and take things from there.

McDonnell has clearly taken something from Yates having trained with him in the past and it will be fascinating to see what happens with him in the future.