Nottingham Forest will aim to continue their fine form under Steve Cooper when the Championship action resumes this weekend.
The Reds have climbed to 13th in the table, just four points adrift of the play-off places, having lost only once in the Welshman’s nine games in charge.
The goal will be to push on further in the coming months, trying to close the gap on the top six as much as possible.
Forest remain as ambitious as ever when it comes to striving for a seat at the Premier League table. And if that doesn’t happen this year, it will very much be in the planning for next term.
With the key dates for the 2022/23 campaign having been announced, we’ve taken a look at who could be mainstays of the team by the time that comes around.
Scott McKenna
Arguably one of the Reds’ best pieces of transfer business in recent years. Has been brilliant since making the move from Aberdeen last year.
Penned a four-year contract when he joined so is tied down to the club for the foreseeable future.
He’s already a cornerstone of the Forest defence, and rarely has a bad game when wearing the Garibaldi.
Injury problems hampered him last term, but if he can stay fit the Scot will be an important player in any promotion bid.
Joe Worrall
Assuming a move to the top-flight doesn’t happen between now and the start of 2022/23, the academy graduate’s partnership with McKenna could be key.
Is a big presence in the dressing room, with his leadership qualities shining on the pitch, and has also made great strides in his game over the last few years.
Successful teams keep clean-sheets. The relationship between Worrall and McKenna will be central to that.
They have quickly developed a good understanding - and that will only improve the more games they play, whether in a three or four-man back line.
Ryan Yates
Plenty of Reds managers have identified the qualities the midfielder can bring, and Cooper is no different.
Yates has been an ever-present under the Welshman, and has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks. He seems to be enjoying the freedom afforded to him, using that to have a greater influence on games.
Will hope to continue to flourish with the manager’s guidance. And with a year-and-a-half left on his current contract, next season could be a big one for him.
Always gives his all for the cause.
Braian Ojeda
Perhaps not an obvious choice to list as a likely starter for 2022/23, given he has yet to even make his debut. But the Paraguayan is very much seen as one for the future.
If he gets his chance and impresses this term, there’s no reason why he can’t then push on next year.
When he does eventually get out on the pitch, this season will be about finding his feet and adapting to the Championship, assuming Forest are in that division.
That will take time, and he will face competition for a starting spot. But if that all goes well, he could really be one to watch in a few months’ time.
Brennan Johnson
Much like Worrall, Forest may well have to fend off interest from elsewhere for the Wales international - regardless of whether he puts pen to paper on fresh terms.
Getting his contract situation is important, though. And, working on the basis of him still being at the City Ground next season, it could really be one for him to shine.
Has already shown what a special player he can be since returning from his loan spell at Lincoln City. The Reds have a real gem on their hands, and he will only continue to improve.
Could be the standout star in a promotion bid.
