Nottingham Forest fans have hit back after Wales coach Rob Page raised question marks over the club’s handling of Brennan Johnson’s fitness.
The Reds forward suffered a groin injury earlier this month and was rated doubtful for the home clash with Newcastle United, only to be named in the starting line-up and playing the whole game.
Johnson had been due to link up with Wales for their opening Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia tonight and Latvia on Tuesday but has now withdrawn from the squad. The situation has left Page disappointed and seemingly unhappy that Johnson played in the Newcastle game.
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"We were aware of something last week and then he went and played 90 minutes on the Friday and wasn't available to meet up on the Sunday,” said Page. “Everybody's responsible for him. It's very special to be in that changing room and play for your country.
"You shouldn't take that for granted. The people responsible for him shouldn't take that for granted and should appreciate and respect that as well."
Those comments have not gone well with Reds fans, who have defended the club and highlighted Johnson’s importance to the team. Here's a taste of the reaction on social media...
Gary Wilko: Given the importance of our remaining fixtures and how integral Brennan is to Cooper’s plans, I highly doubt he would have risked him for the Newcastle game if he had any doubts about his fitness. Shame Rob Page is only now realising how important Johnno is now that Bale has retired!
Marcus Fish: Wonder how many times he’s been responsible for exactly the opposite… pot and kettle spring to mind!
Harry Swift: Probably the most highly respected player at the club by staff and fans. He wouldn’t have been played if he wasn’t fit because he’s so key. Even the staff would think let him miss a game through injury or play him half fit and risk him for the season? Just making comments because he hasn’t got his star boy.
Paul Nffc Aldridge: He's our player we play him when we like. If he was that important to you, he would have played more at the World Cup.
John Brodie: He was passed fit by the club and Brennan clearly wanted to play. Page’s opinion is irrelevant. Just running his mouth.
Lee Elvin: We pay his wages and just loan him to a Championship side international-wise. Hope he rests up... massive 3 games coming up and we need him.
Simon Wright: I agree it was ridiculous to play him for a full 90mins against Newcastle. However, my concern is for Brennan and Forest first and foremost. The 90mins with an injury shows me how little Cooper believes in and trusts some of the other players in the squad to come in and do a job, either as a starter or off the bench.
Dean Whittaker: To add to all the other comments, surely it had to be Brennan’s decision to play against Newcastle too, if he was feeling a groin problem in the slightest and wanted to play for the national team more than for us he would’ve said to the club I’m not feeling 100% I need to rest but didn’t as he loves the club and wants us to survive
Justin Considerate: Club before country. We need to stay up.
What did you think of Page's comments? Have your say in the comments section
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