Brennan Johnson says he would be happy to spend the rest of the season with Lincoln City amid calls for him to be brought back to Nottingham Forest next month.
Johnson scored twice in the closing stages as the Imps romped to a 4-0 win at Northampton Town to move level on points with League One leaders Portsmouth with a game in hand.
The 19-year-old also set up the opening goal, scored by Anthony Scully after 60 seconds, amid a terrific all-round display.
Johnson is with Lincoln on a season-long loan, but his immediate future will be discussed soon and it is possible he could return to the City Ground early.
His stellar form has led to a clamour among some Forest fans for him to be brought back to help pep up Chris Hughton’s attacking options for the second half of the season.
Asked after Saturday’s game if he would be happy to remain with Lincoln for the rest of the season, Johnson said: “Yeah, definitely. Obviously, it’s out of my hands but I’m enjoying my time here and I couldn’t be more grateful to the staff who have given me this chance. I’m loving it so far.”
Johnson has played in a variety of positions for Lincoln, all across the front three and in the number 10 role just behind main striker Tom Hopper.
He believes his game has really developed under Imps manager Michael Appleton.
“Coming here, I knew I was quite a versatile player,” he said. “I didn’t get too many chances last season at Forest. In the 23s I was playing in different positions. Coming here, doing it in the first team, shows I can play in different positions. Hopefully it expands my game.”
Johnson’s brace against Northampton came seven days after he missed two clear-cut chances with the score at 0-0 against Sunderland, who went on to win 4-0.
But he more than made amends with his performance and two well-taken goals against Northampton.
“I think the confidence [ahead of the game] was still all right,” he said.
“Against Sunderland we didn’t perform how we wanted to but against Shrewsbury [last Tuesday week when Lincoln were beaten 1-0] we were unlucky. The performance was good.
“It shows how tough this league is. Anyone can beat anyone. I’m happy we’ve turned it around.”
