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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Ste McGovern

Match of the Day pundit loves Nottingham Forest player 'prepared to have a fight'

Brennan Johnson put in an "absolutely terrific" performance on Wednesday night to help Nottingham Forest seal their first away win of the season, according to one pundit.

Taiwo Awoniyi may have scored the winning goal against Southampton at St. Mary's, but Johnson was the beating heart of the attack. He set up three chances in the match, including the assist, the most of any Reds player on the night.

The 21-year-old also did a great job of putting the Saints defence under pressure, says Leon Osman. The former Everton defender was left highly impressed by the way in which the wide attacker menaced the opposition for 90 minutes.

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"It was all down to the ingenuity of Brennan Johnson. I thought he was absolutely terrific," he said on BBC Match of the Day. "He led the line, he closed down, he set a real tempo from the front.

"There wasn't a Southampton player near him that was allowed a second on the ball. He really set the tempo, but what he has to do is be a threat.

"All afternoon he kept getting into threatening positions, he kept linking up the game well. We love this, trying to get down the line and whip crosses in. He didn't give people a moment, being alive, but then still having the quality when you get in there because when you're in that position you have to pick him out."

Osman also highlighted Johnson's brief tussle with Southampton player Romain Perraud, showing that he is willing to fight for his club. He believes that the youngster is an inspiring figure for the Forest team.

"This just topped it all off, I'm prepared to have a fight (with Romain Perraud), have a battle. I'm representing my club, come on, bring it on.

"It was a terrific performance, and even late on this energy he showed is exactly the type of energy that his manager and teammates need. When you're playing behind a player like that it inspires you; you have to back him up, you have to run forward, you have to support him, because other he'll embarrass you in your team. Brilliant performance today, but a lot more needed before the season is through."

What do you think? Drop us a comment!

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