Former Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has tipped Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson to make an impact on the upcoming FIFA World Cup with Wales.
Johnson netted twice against Rooney and the Reds' arch rivals on the way to promotion last season, first in a 1-1 draw at Pride Park before scoring the second goal in January's 2-1 win.
The 22-year-old heads to Qatar having been a regular in the first half of Forest's Premier League campaign. His adaption to top-flight football is mirrored by Steve Cooper's side, who now find themselves just one point away from safety.
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And in a column for The Times, Rooney tipped Johnson to be one of the tournament's potential surprise packages. “I’ve been interested to see how Wales star Brennan Johnson has stepped up with Nottingham Forest," he said.
“I think the group might allow one of Wales or the USA the chance to get to the quarter-finals. Johnson could do well.”
If he does succeed on the international stage, Johnson could write himself into Welsh folklore with the World Cup representing their first appearance at the competition's finals in 64 years.
Adding to the Forest contingent within Rob Page's squad are goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy and full-back Neco Williams. Wales kick off their campaign against the USA tomorrow night and then face Iran and, finally, England.
Do you think Johnson will perform well at the World Cup? Let us know in the comments section.
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