Nottingham Forest are a club with a rich history of winning trophies and despite some turbulent times in recent years, the club remains one of the most reputable in the country.
The East Midlands-based outfit also boast a reputation for producing some of the finest young footballers, with several Forest academy products going on to play regular first-team football in the Premier League.
Last season saw the Nottingham Forest under-18s win their division to represent a significant sign that the Reds are still producing quality youngsters, despite the club’s academy only possessing a category two status.
When Forest played Burton Albion on the opening day of the 2016/17 campaign, the starting line-up featured no fewer than five academy graduates with boss Philippe Montanier drawing praise from Reds fans for such an approach.
Football League World writer Lee Clarke takes a look at three hidden gems who could be the next players to emerge from the Nottingham Forest conveyor belt of talent.
James Thorne
The powerful striker made his debut for the first-team in the EFL Cup game at Millwall at the end of August and although he played out of position he did very well.
Thorne showed his versatility by performing on the right-side of a front three and although he was withdrawn at half-time, he still coped well with the demands of professional football.
The 20-year-old has spent time on the books at Manchester City during his career and also boasts three senior appearances for Salford City, the club currently owned by five members of the famous Manchester United ‘class of ’92’.
Tim Erlandsson
The Swedish goalkeeper recently took time off from his club football to take part in the Olympics in Rio, where he provided back-up for the nation’s number one Andreas Linde.
The under-23 tournament will no doubt have provided great experience for the young stopper and there is a real sense that the Swede can go onto become a first-team goalkeeper for the Reds.
The agile custodian is only 19-years-old and is already playing regular football for the Forest under-21s, with the coaching staff at the club complimentary of his performances since his arrival in 2015.
Joe Worrall
The young central defender was featuring on the substitute’s bench for the Reds towards the back end of last season, following a successful loan spell at Dagenham and Redbridge – then of League Two.
The youngster was thrust into action for the Daggers during an FA Cup game, with the centre-back making his debut away at Premier League outfit Everton.
The 19-year-old made 14 appearances in the Football League and the experience he gained will no doubt put him in good stead for the future.
Worrall is strong in the tackle and possesses quality positional sense. With the Reds currently having a few injuries at the back, it might not be too long before Worrall is featuring for the Forest first-team.
Nottingham Forest fans, are you familiar with these players? Who else could be hidden gems for the future? Let us know in the comments below!!!