Anticipation for the new season will ramp up at Nottingham Forest next week as the transfer window opens and the Premier League fixtures are released.
The Reds have plenty to be positive about for the 2023/24 campaign as they aim to push on in the top-flight. Meanwhile, the rumour mill is already in full swing ahead of what is an important summer at the City Ground.
There may not be any football to look forward to at the moment, but there is still plenty happening Trentside. Here’s our round-up of the latest goings-on.
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First call-up
It is a proud moment for Forest youngster Aaron Donnelly, who has been handed his first senior international call-up with Northern Ireland. And it is just reward for what has been a memorable season for the 20-year-old.
Donnelly was name-checked by Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill earlier in the week, before he announced his squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers. The defender is said to have been among a group of young players who “looked sharp” in recent training camps, prompting O’Neill to include him in the group for games against Denmark and Kazakhstan.
Donnelly made his first-team debut for the Reds last August, playing the full 90 minutes of the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town. He then joined Port Vale on loan in January, where he got plenty of game time as he made 20 appearances and scored one goal. Fellow Forest youngster Dale Taylor, who has already been capped at senior level, is also in the Northern Ireland squad.
Impressing on international stage
Speaking of Reds players representing their countries, Brandon Aguilera has caught the eye with a goal scored for Costa Rica’s Under-23s side. It’s definitely worth finding a clip of it, when you get chance.
Picking up the ball outside of the box, he drives forward before unleashing a fine finish against France in a 3-1 defeat. He is said to have impressed against Venezuela earlier in the week, too, as he competes at the Maurice Revello Tournament in France.
Forest fans are yet to get a glimpse of the 19-year-old. He was among the influx of signings last summer but immediately headed out on loan to Guanacasteca and then Estoril. He is viewed as a bright talent, however, having become Costa Rica’s second-youngster player to feature at a World Cup when he was brought on for his tournament debut in Qatar.
Awoniyi’s visit
Taking a break from giving defenders nightmares, Reds striker Taiwo Awoniyi is using his down-time to give a bit back. Earlier this week, he attracted a bit of an audience as he trained with former local teammates at Sheikh Abdulkadri College in Ilorin as he returned to Nigeria.
And according to Nigerian newspaper Independent, he also paid a surprise visit to Ilorin General Hospital, where he made cash donations to help support the treatment of several patients. Among his goodwill gestures, he is said to have paid for the remaining doses of a particular injection for a cancer patient.
Laryea shines
A decision will soon need to be made on Richie Laryea’s future, with his loan at Toronto due to run out at the end of this month. And the defender seems to be doing his very best to put himself in the spotlight.
He is having a fine season in the MLS. A starring role in his team’s 1-1 draw at Minnesota United last weekend has earned him another spot in the MLS team of the week.
It is the fifth time this term he has been included in the list. This one came as he helped set up his team’s goal while also leading the way among both sides with duels won in the game (89 percent).
Help wanted
Forest are advertising for a head of first-team physiotherapy and a first-team physiotherapist. They are among a number of jobs listed as up for grabs on the official website amid head coach Steve Cooper’s pledge that improvements would be targeted in all areas as the club aim to progress in the Premier League.
Both physio jobs have a closing date for applications of June 14, with interviews to be carried out in the week commencing June 26. Given the number of injuries the Reds have suffered in the past 12 months, the successful applicants could have their work cut out - although all concerned will hope for better fortune on that front next term.
Other jobs advertised include a chauffeur “responsible for ensuring that an efficient and high-quality service is provided to the ownership group, executive board and footballing department”. Another chauffeur job is advertised as being based in London.
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