Brennan Johnson has quickly become one of Nottingham Forest’s “most important” players, with one former Red admitting he was surprised to see the youngster loaned out last season.
Ben Osborn got to see Johnson’s potential first-hand while he was still at the City Ground, before making the switch to Sheffield United in the summer of 2019.
And the Forest youngster is now making a big impression in Steve Cooper’s side, after spending the 2020/21 campaign at Lincoln City.
The Blades will be the latest team trying to keep tabs on him when they make the trip to face the Reds in tomorrow night’s clash.
“I did a pre-season with Brennan and was really impressed with him,” Osborn told NottinghamshireLive. “I was actually shocked that he got loaned out.
“But it looks like that was the best thing for him. He’s just grown. Now he’s in the Wales squad and is becoming one of the most important players at Forest.
“I think it will be a tough game at the City Ground - two teams who will try to play football.
“I’m sure the atmosphere will be great. It’s probably the two best supported teams in the Championship.
“I think it will be really good. I’m looking forward to it.”
It will be Osborn’s first return to the banks of the Trent since he left for Bramall Lane.
He made more than 200 league appearances in the Garibaldi, having come up through the ranks at the club, and admits it will be strange being on the opposite side when he goes back.
“It will be my first time playing against Forest. First time playing against a former club! It’s going to be a strange one, but I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
“There will be loads of my friends and family there.
“I was speaking to my dad, and he said he’s nervous about it!
“It will definitely be strange going back there and seeing everyone.
“There’s a big Forest connection at Sheff U. To be honest, when the results come in, they are normally the team most of us are looking for, seeing how they are getting on. A lot of people had some good times there.
“We’re always keeping up to date with Forest.
“There’s still quite a few who were there with me - Joe Worrall, Yatesy (Ryan Yates), (Jack) Colback, (Joe) Lolley.
“And I’ve seen quite a lot of their games. They’ve been on telly quite a lot recently, so I’ve seen quite a few of their games. They’ve looked good in recent weeks.
“Brennan is doing really well.
“It will be a tough game, and it will be interesting to see how we set up against them.”
There will be no Max Lowe in the Reds team, though, with the Blades loanee ineligible to feature against his parent club.
The defender has been a key figure at wing-back in Cooper’s 3-4-3 formation, and Osborn joked he’ll be trying to prise some inside knowledge out of him.
“I watched his first two games. He’s done well,” said the versatile 27-year-old, who was speaking at one of his Elite Football Development coaching sessions at Eastwood Community Football Club.
“I think the new system suits him massively. I think both wing-backs have been playing well.
“I’m happy for him that he’s playing regularly. He’s a great lad and a great pro.
“Max won’t be able to play against us, which is a bit of a benefit for us.
“I’m sure we’ll be getting in Lowey’s ear trying to find out the Forest team! I don’t think he’ll give us any tips - he’s too much of a good pro for that.”
