The 2016/17 campaign was certainly not one to remember for Nottingham Forest supporters and their ardent group of followers will be hoping for a change in fortunes during next season.

There is definitely cause for optimism under an astute manager in Mark Warburton, whilst the club also hope to announce this week that the club has been taken over by Greek investors.

Forest are a proud football club steeped in history and one aspect of the club that is still positively brimming is the youth academy, with Gary Brazil and Jack Lester working wonders in charge of the development at the club.

The Reds faithful are sticklers for seeing players strut their stuff on the City Ground turf when they have risen through the academy ranks and one exciting part of next season starting is seeing which member of the academy is the latest player to make the step up.

Football League World writer Lee Clarke looks at two young players who will be desperate to impress the Forest boss during pre-season.

Toby Edser

The midfielder is only 18-years-old yet he has already captained the club's under-23 side on several occasions with the Guildford-born youngster seemingly set for a bright future at the City Ground.

The tricky little midfield player has yet to make his mark on the first-team but you can bet that he will be raring to go when the players report back to training at the end of June, as he hopes to emulate the likes of Ben Osborn and Ben Brereton in becoming first-team regulars.

Jordan Gabriel

The right-back featured in the first-team during last pre-season and until injury curtailed his progress it had looked like he might get the chance to perform in the Championship.

Forest have a solid right-back in Eric Lichaj but the club could look to utilise Gabriel as cover to the American rather than go out and spend money on the squad in that particular area.

Nottingham Forest fans, are these two youngsters set for big things at the City Ground? Let us know in the comments below!!!