Nottingham Forest fans are expecting a successful season next year after an encouraging start to the summer transfer window.

The signings of Benfica duo Joao Carvalho and Diogo Goncalves have got Forest fans dreaming of a long awaited return to the Premier League.

Aitor Karanka is clearly building something quite special at The City Ground and undoing the failures of Mark Warburton and Philippe Montanier's respective reigns.

One bright spark at Forest over the last few years, despite their poor form on the pitch, has been the emergence of young stars.

The likes of Jordan Smith, Ben Brereton, Ben Osborn, Matty Cash and Joe Worrall have all established themselves as regulars in the first-team picture and while they may not always be the most consistent, they have all had periods where they have been impressive.

Here are three more youngsters that Karanka needs to give a chance to in pre-season.

This summer could be the last chance for Grant to impress as the jury is out on whether he is good enough to play first-team football at Forest.

The 23-year-old midfielder did hit 19 goals last season for Notts County on loan in League Two so he needs to show Karanka that he is ready to make the step up or else he might be sold.

Forest have one of England's brightest prospects on their books in England under-17 star Appiah.

The 17-year-old forward is so good that you wouldn't bet against him breaking into the first-team at Forest next season.

Central midfielder Yates could just be the perfect man that Karanka has been searching for.

After impressing on loan at League One high-flyers Scunthorpe United last term, the 20-year-old could be set for his first-team break this season.