When Joe Worrall completed a loan move to Rangers at the start of last season, he probably thought that his career at Nottingham Forest was over.

Whilst it was only a temporary spell, it was a clear message from the manager at the time that he wasn't needed.

Despite emerging through the ranks as an exciting talent, Aitor Karanka felt he hadn't fulfilled that potential and many felt that a successful spell in Glasgow would see Worrall move on for good.

Instead, he is back at Forest and starred as they beat rivals Derby County on Saturday - something few saw likely 12 months ago. That prompted praise from Reds legend Garry Birtles and you have to say that it's fully warranted.

Not only has Worrall delivered big performances this season but he has also stood out as a leader.

The academy graduate was seen bellowing orders to his teammates as Forest battled to a win over the Rams and he put his body on the line to ensure the ball stayed out the net and another clean sheet was picked up in the process.

Worrall made several important blocks, won headers and was as passionate as any of the other Forest fans in the City Ground when the full-time whistle went.

Needless to say, the support absolutely love that but Worrall's emergence as a vital player under Sabri Lamouchi is nothing to do with where he's from - as the display against Derby was nothing new.

Another pleasing aspect about the 22-year-old that Birtles touched upon was how he has coped without Michael Dawson.

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The ex-England international was the man to take responsibility at the heart of the defence for much of the campaign but he picked up an injury against Stoke six weeks ago and hasn't played since.

That immediately put the pressure on Worrall but he has embraced that and has helped both Tobias Figueiredo and Chema whenever they have partnered him.

Showing that maturity is a great sign and you can sometimes forget just how young the player is - he really could feature for the East Midlands outfit for the next decade.

Ultimately, it means that just a matter of months after returning from his spell in Scotland, Worrall has forced his way to become a vital part of a Forest side that firmly believe they can reach the Premier League and you just can't imagine him playing anywhere else.

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