20-year old midfielder Ryan Yates impressed in his loan spells last season, helping both Notts County and Scunthorpe United to a top six finish in their respective divisions.

He returned to the City Ground this summer, doubtless hoping he'd be on the fringes of the first team action. Despite a debut in the League Cup against Bury, he's seemingly now no closer to the first team than he was.

If anything, he's further away with ex-Olympiacos man Panagiotis Tachtsidis signing this week and former West Brom midfielder Claudio Yacob also expected. Along with Ben Watson, Liam Bridcutt and Jack Colback, the obstacles between Yates and a starting place are numerous.

There's now talk of a possible loan in January, which is something Aitor Karanka is sure to explore. He's three reasons why FLW feel he must sanction the move in the winter window.

Yates has to develop and that will only come with a run of games. If Forest want him to reach his potential he needs senior football.

His potential was unveiled last season, but he must keep that up this time around. U23 football won't do, he needs proper competitive action to keep maturing.

There's a host of exciting young players in the Forest academy, but they need to see that there's a route to the professional game for them.

If Yates simply rots away in the reserves before leaving the club, what hope do they give their other young players? None.

Football fans love 'one of their own' and if Ryan Yates does reach his potential, that is exactly what he could be.

The current side lacks that identity, lacks that central anchor around which a side can be built. It could be Yates, he's commanding, confident and mature beyond his years.

If he goes out on loan and reaches his potential, he could well be the next true hero of the City Ground