Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson is capable of playing for a "top-six" club now, according to Wales national team manager Robert Page.
Johnson has played a key role in Nottingham Forest's run to the play-offs this season, contributing 19 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and is now helping the Reds prepare for their Championship play-off final clash against Huddersfield Town.
The two sides will meet at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (May 29) with a place in the Premier League as reward for the winning side. Whether Forest win promotion at the weekend or not, it seems incredibly likely that Johnson will be playing in the top-flight next season.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest sent mixed messages over Steve Cooper selection dilemma
ALSO READ: Jurgen Klopp makes 'crazy' Steve Cooper comment as Nottingham Forest boss misses out on award
The brilliant Nigel Doughty Academy graduate still has another 12 months left on his current deal, but he has been consistently linked with moves to the Premier League - more than half of top-flight clubs having been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old.
Brentford led most of the transfer interest in Johnson, although Forest rejected numerous offers including one which reportedly would have been a club record fee.
Now, however, Wales manager Page believes that those interested in the winter may well have lost their chance to sign the forward due to him displaying a capability to play for even bigger teams.
"Brennan is the future of Welsh football and I think he’s top-six (Premier League) now," said Page. He’s shown he’s got that potential and ability. I’ve seen it in him for a long time and it’s been great to watch his development.
"I think that the teams showing interest in him in January have lost out now."
Johnson has scored 14 of his 19 goals since the new year as Forest’s rise under Steve Cooper has gathered pace. He was on target in both legs of the semi-final play-off victory over Sheffield United, and Page reserved special praise for his father-agent David in his progress.
He said: "We all know his dad and it’s been great management from him as well. There was a lot of hype spoken about him in January and that hasn’t fazed him at all. He hasn’t crumbled under that pressure. He’s enjoyed it and he’s gone to another level again.
"He could have chased the money and quadrupled his wages, if not more. But it’s not about that for him, and it’s so refreshing to see young lads want to play and win trophies. All the rest will take care of itself, the money, nice houses and nice cars will come.
"He trusted in his ability, wanted to stay at the club that’s shown him love and suits how he plays. His development has taken off and he will get his move – and we will benefit from that as well."
Wales start their Nations League campaign against Poland in Wroclaw on June 1, four days before playing Scotland or Ukraine in Cardiff.
Skipper Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen are among those set to be stood down for the Poland clash, with Johnson and other younger Welsh players to be given the opportunity to impress instead.
Page said: "I’m going to use these Nations League games as a tool to give the Brennan Johnsons of the world an opportunity, expose them to top players and top teams.
"The Nations League is not the be-all and end-all. It’s about exposing the younger players to opposition like that.
"So in 12 months, or two years’ time, when we’re in an important game for the World Cup or the Euros, these players will have benefited from this experience and may be the one to score the winner to get us through."
