Brennan Johnson has had an incredible season at Nottingham Forest so far this campaign - and his new boss Steve Cooper is eager to not only keep hold of the star but to keep him improving too, as reported by Nottinghamshire Live.

The youngster has really shone after being given the chance to play regular Championship football this season and now he is catching the eye of not only his boss and teammates but many clubs around the EFL too.

In fact, there is a case to be made for him being one of the most exciting prospects in the entire second tier right now and he is certainly one of Forest's most valuable players since his emergence this season.

 

 

He's been a mainstay in the side, featuring in 22 games and bagging nine goal contributions so far this year. The Welshman is versatile, with good vision, attacking flair and creativity and he shows no signs of slowing down either.

Cooper has certainly been impressed with what he has seen of the Welshman so far and has told Nottinghamshire Live that he is improving and 'learning to manage games' which he believes is a key trait for the attacker to have.

"He's really starting to manage games now, which is brilliant, like on Saturday. That's important. He's really coming of age,” said Cooper.

"But, like all young players, moments like that are important for them because they just grow stronger.

"He can play, he's a threat, and he's learning every part of the game now.

"He's a great lad, who only wants to get better.

"He's having some real defining moments in games.

"I'm very, very comfortable talking about him in this way, because all he wants to do is improve and work hard.

"Sometimes you have to be careful with young players when you talk about them, because their minds can wander. But he lives his life properly, and he loves his football.”

"But he's a top talent and he's having a real impact in games.

"He's not just a talent, he's not just an exciting player, he's also producing - he's producing assists and he's producing goals. In the end, that's what these top players get judged on.

"The ones who have gone on and really got to the top level are the ones who are continually making a difference to the scoresheet.

"At the moment he's doing that, but he's got to keep going.

"He's only in his first proper year in the Championship and we're not even halfway through.”

Cooper has certainly managed to oversee some success both at the club with Johnson and the entire squad so far - and he'll be hoping that it can continue in the second half of the campaign.

The Verdict

Brennan Johnson is electric and anybody who has seen him cannot deny that.

He is not only one of Nottingham Forest's best and most exciting players but he is arguably one of the best in the entire league. Any side that did try to poach him in January would be lucky to land him, as he could instantly improve most sides.

It won't be easy to prise him away, with Steve Cooper now a big admirer and already acknowledging how much of a key role he is playing at the City Ground. That though is unlikely to stop sides from testing the waters with bids.

Johnson though is thriving at Forest and could certainly stay at the club and become a spearhead for them.