Midfielder Ryan Yates wants to embrace the Wembley experience as Nottingham Forest prepare for their promotion decider with Huddersfield Town.
Sunday’s play-offs final will be the Reds’ first visit to the national stadium for 30 years. For most of the squad, it will be their first time walking out under the famous arch.
Nevertheless, Steve Cooper's side have got used to big occasions this season. Sell-outs have been a regular occurrence at the City Ground, with an electric atmosphere to boot, while the team has thrived in glamour FA Cup ties against Premier League heavyweights.
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They will be backed by almost 36,500 Forest fans in the capital. And Yates relishes the opportunity to perform on the grandest of stages.
“The manager hasn’t particularly spoken about what it will be like,” said the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate. “But we’ve all watched games at Wembley. It’s probably going to be like the City Ground times two!
“I think you’ve got to be there to see what it’s like. I don’t know, because I’ve never played there.
“It’s something we’ve definitely got to embrace. The Forest tickets sold out quicker than ever, so let’s use that to our advantage.
“It’s just such a good feeling, and what the fans deserve. They deserve this day out at Wembley.
“They deserve big games like this, because it has been dull for quite a few years. But we’ve got a job to do, and that’s all we’re focused on.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is play for Forest in the Premier League. But you’ve got to put in the steps and the process to make that happen - that’s focusing on improving every single day and not taking anything for granted.
“We can’t overthink it. It’s unbelievable, but we’ve got a game to win - and we’re playing the third-best team in the league.”
