After spending the season on loan at Rangers, Joe Worrall has returned to Nottingham Forest ready to reignite his Reds career, but he still has a lot to prove to new boss Martin O'Neill.

This time last year Aitor Karanka was planning for a big season at Forest, where he welcomed a number of new faces through the door at the City Ground, as well as selling a few.

One he deemed surplus to requirements was Worrall, who left on loan to join Steven Gerrard's Rangers revolution. He had a good season there, but it doesn't mean he will walk straight back into the team at the City Ground.

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Moving to Scotland was a brave step for the Forest fan, who moved away from the club he supported as a boy, as well as leaving his family and friends.

Speaking to the Nottingham PostWorrall admitted he was sad to leave Forest in August, but he has learned a lot from his experiences with the Gers.

“Was I upset to go up there? Was I gutted at the time? Yes I was,” said Worrall.

“But if you asked me to reflect on it now, I would not say that. It was brilliant being up there.

“Steven Gerrard was one of my heroes growing up, so being able to learn from him; being able to leach that knowledge off him every day, when it comes to what he has achieved in the game, has been really good."

Worrall made 21 SPL appearances this season, as well as a number of Europa League outings, where he has gained valuable experience in a tough league, where Rangers gave Celtic a good running up until around Spring time.

If you look at Martin O'Neill's track record so far at the club, he loves to promote youth and Worrall will certainly get a chance, but there is a reason Karanka deemed the 22-year-old who has captained the team surplus to requirements.

Worrall will have a summer off given the fact he is now too old to be selected for England U-21s, and must work hard to prove to O'Neill he is the right man for his Forest defence, as O'Neill relies on the foundation of a strong back four.

Working in Glasgow under Gerrard will have given Worrall vital experience but there is no guarantee he will walk back into the team, he must use the summer to work hard and prove he is the right option for a Forest side who must be targeting the top six.