Nottingham Forest first-teamers will report for pre-season later this month.
Nottingham Forest have their first pre-season friendly against Notts County at Meadow Lane on July 18, with the full schedule listed below.
- July 18 – Notts County
- July 22 – Blackburn Rovers
- July 26 – Vitoria SC
- July 31 – Sporting CP
Newly-appointed manager Oliver Glasner will be keen to hand fresh starts to many and also have a good look at some of the young talent at the club.
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With that said, here are two very promising youngsters who may catch Glasner’s eye in the training sessions and warm-up games.
Zyan Blake – Attacker
Zyan Blake is making a real name for himself in Nottingham Forest’s academy as he’s already been fast-tracked to the under-21s despite being 18-years-old.
Blake, who can operate off both flanks and as a number 10, has racked up 27 appearances for the reserves, registering a commendable eight goal involvements.
The 2007-born’s impressive performances were rewarded with a first-team appearance on the bench for the Europa League clashes against Porto and Aston Villa last season.
Speaking back in 2024, Forest’s Head of Academy Chris McGuane said: “Zyan is an exciting player who is quick, a real threat in attacking moments of the game, and can unlock defences with his ability to manipulate the ball in small areas.
“Zyan is very determined and focused to ensure he meets his potential over the coming years.”
Glasner will likely include him in his pre-season preparations and could hand him some minutes in the friendlies.
Lamin Sillah – Striker
Forest are in desperate need of a centre-forward, and they will likely start pre-season a little short in that area, given Chris Wood will have an extended break after the World Cup.
That could give Lamin Sillah a huge chance to impress Glasner and make a real claim to be involved this season.
Sillah arrived from Greek giants Olympiacos last summer after netting 11 goals in 21 appearances for their under-19s.
The 20-year-old has continued to impress with the East Midlanders and was an unused substitute in the final Premier League match of the season against Bournemouth.
Evidently, given his age, the next step of his development is playing men’s football, so he either needs to step up on a permanent basis to Glasner’s squad or depart on loan.
This pre-season will probably decide where his future lies, so he must take his opportunity.
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