Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has spoken out on the speculation linking him away from the City Ground.

The 22-year-old has been a hugely important player for Sabri Lamouchi this season, and has gone from strength to strength since spending last on loan at Rangers.

The defender made 32 appearances in all competitions for Steven Gerrard's side last term, and he has since been an ever-present under Lamouchi at the City Ground this season.

Worrall has produced a number of solid performances for the Reds this season, helping them concede only 13 goals in 15 matches so far this term.

In the summer, Hull City and Wigan Athletic were linked with his signature, and Newcastle United are the latest high-profile club to have been linked with the homegrown star.

But speaking to Nottinghamshire Live about the speculation, Worrall insisted that he has happy playing for the club that he loves.

He said: "Of course there’s always speculation. You see it all the time on Twitter. But at the end of the day I’m playing for Forest - the team I love. I love wearing the red shirt.

"It’s something that I’m focused on for the next game. You never know what happens in football. Lots of things can happen, but I’m just focused on Bristol City."

Forest return to league action this weekend with a trip to Ashton Gate to face promotion rivals Bristol City - Forest sit fifth in the Sky Bet Championship table, three points off the automatic promotion places with a game in hand.

The Verdict

I think Worrall will be a legend at the City Ground - I think he will be one of those players that go on to make 200 appearances before sealing a move to the Premier League.

He has such a close affinity with the club and the supporters, and he must love playing for his boyhood club week in, week out.

He is improving game by game, and he has been superb in the absence of Michael Dawson over the past couple of months.

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