Nottingham Forest have recently secured the long-term future of one of the most talented youngsters, in midfielder Brennan Johnson.

The young midfielder has signed a new long-term contract at the City Ground after impressing in the early stages of the season under Sabri Lamouchi.

After an impressive pre-season, Johnson made his senior league debut for the Reds in their opening day defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

Not only have Forest gone from strength to strength since their loss to the Baggies, but so has Johnson, putting in two superb performances against Fleetwood Town and Derby County in the Carabao Cup.

Johnson has also impressed on the international stage for Wales under-21s, with reports claiming that Gareth Southgate is keen to call him up to the England squad in the near future.

After losing another starlet in Arvin Appiah to Almeria in the summer, tying Johnson down to a long-term deal is massive news for the Reds.

Some may think that it's too early in the season to start thinking about giving out new contracts, but the likes of Leeds have already tied three players down to new deals, with two more also set to sign.

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Forest should take inspiration from the Whites and start securing their own players' futures, and Michael Dawson should be right at the top of the list.

The centre-back has been influential for Forest and has played a big role in helping them reach sixth spot in the Championship after eight league games.

After coming through the ranks at the City Ground, Dawson made his return to the club when he arrived from Hull City on a free transfer last summer.

The 35-year-old made only 10 appearances for the Reds last season, but he has since been an ever-present for Lamouchi in the opening eight games of the campaign.

Starting alongside Joe Worrall in central defence, Dawson has formed a solid understanding with his defensive partner, helping Forest keep back-to-back clean sheets against Swansea and Barnsley.

The impact he has made this season has been phenomenal - typified when he made a last-ditch block to deny Tykes forward Mallik Wilks at the weekend, whose shot looked destined to find the back of the net had it not been stopped.

Not only is he a fantastic defender, but he is also a magnificent leader. Nobody has had a bad word to say about him, with Joe Lolley the latest to praise his teammate and the experience he brings to the dressing room.

Dawson's contract at the City Ground runs out at the end of the season, and even if it's a short-term deal, having him around the club in some capacity will still be invaluable for Forest and Lamouchi going forward.

It's unlikely that another club will come in for him at this stage of his career, but securing his services for another year or two could be a massive boost for the Reds.