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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Bruna Reis

Why Nottingham Forest 'bright' star Brennan Johnson has impressed his Wales boss

Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson was named man of the match in Wales' 1-1 draw against Czech Republic in a friendly match in Cardiff on Tuesday night.

The match that was a fundraiser for Ukraine, also marked goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey's 100th cap. Wales extended their unbeaten run to 18 games, a record that stretches back to November 2018.

The visitors got in front first with West Ham's midfielder Tomas Soucek striking. Cardiff City midfielder Rubin Colwill scored his first goal for Rob Page's side when he put matters level after a quick response.

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A rather young side took the pitch with the likes of Aaron Ramsey (unused) and Gareth Bale named on the bench to start off with.

Johnson who was rated eight out of ten by Wales Online, set up Cohill late on, while Will Vaulks hit the post twice and Bale also saw his late effort saved in the latter stages of the game.

Despite coming out short of a goal, the Wales boss was left pleased with his side's performance.

"We used it as an exercise to look at some of the younger players," Page said after the game. "Rubin’s intelligent at 10, Brennan’s in great form in the Championship, and Rabbi’s playing well abroad (in Belgium), creating chances and scoring goals.

"I didn’t need any convincing with Brennan, he’s humble and not getting carried away with what he’s done.

"He’s a bright spark, as is Rubin who took the goal really well, and Rabbi with his pace was also a threat.

"There were some big performances out there. I said before the game there was an opportunity there for the players.

"It was important we didn’t want a little blip. It wasn’t all about the result as it was a fundraiser for Ukraine and Wayne Hennessey’s 100th cap.

“But the emotion stopped there. We wanted to keep the unbeaten run going and take the momentum into June.

"We’ve got a massive month in June with the World Cup play-off final and four Nations League games, so we’re going to need a big squad."

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