Northern Ireland U21 star Aaron Donnelly says making his Nottingham Forest debut has given him a hunger to play more games for the Premiership new boys.
Donnelly, who joined the City Ground club from Dungannon academy in 2019, impressed while making his bow in a recent 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town.
And after being given his first taste of first team action a fortnight ago, the versatile 19-year-old is eager to chase down further opportunities in the months ahead.
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“I was buzzing when I was told I’d be playing against Grimsby and to win the game and keep a clean sheet, I really enjoyed the whole experience,” said Donnelly.
“The gaffer said afterwards that this is just the start for the younger players and we have to keep showing him that we’re capable of playing in the Premier League or, if we’re lucky enough, in the next round of the Carabao Cup.
“Grimsby is a tough place to go so to win and get that exposure so early in my career was great. It gave me a real desire to keep pushing on.”
Donnelly was especially delighted to make his first Forest appearance alongside fellow Northern Ireland prospect Dale Taylor who also made his debut off the bench.
Taylor, a highly-rated striker, won his first Northern Ireland cap as a substitute in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Lithuania at Windsor Park last November.
“To play with Dale, one of my best mates, against Grimsby was class because we have grown up together in the Northern Ireland set-up,” said Donnelly.
“Jamie McDonnell, who captained the U18s in last season’s Youth Cup final, is also at Forest and it’s great to have boys from back home over here.
“If you ever need someone to chat to, they’re always there. Having those lads gives you something to do in your spare time or when you’re away from football.”
Donnelly, who like Taylor and McDonnell was spotted by Forest's top recruitment specialist Bob Shaw, was part of the club's recent summer camp in Spain and has been an integral part of Cooper’s first team squad this season.
And the left back, who can also play at centre back, says it has been invaluable pitting his wits against the likes of Jesse Lingard, Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White in training.
“Every day you’re learning and to play against those guys and that quality of player in training is a real privilege and a great experience,” he said.
“Defensively, there are also so many players I can learn from. The club captain Joe Worrall is a centre back and Steve Cook has also played in the Premier League before.
“I listen to those guys all the time and you need to take it in because they have played at the top level and know what it takes to get there.”
Donnelly has also set his sights on following the likes of Conor Bradley, Trai Hume and Paddy Lane into Ian Baraclough’s senior Northern Ireland set-up.
The Magherafelt teenager, who was first spotted by Forest playing for Northern Ireland U16s in the Victory Shield, said: “Trying to win senior caps is definitely in my thoughts.
“Ian has given young lads a chance like Trai Hume and Paddy Lane who have progressed through the U21s, so there’s definitely a pathway there for young lads to make their debut.
“Hopefully it will come someday. In the meantime, I just want to keep progressing and show every day at Forest what I can do and see what comes from that.”
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