Nottingham Forest talent Brennan Johnson is ready for the Championship, according to Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton.
Johnson has been a revelation during his season-long loan with the Imps, who have finished fifth in League One and are preparing for a play-off semi-final against Sunderland.
The Wales international has scored 12 goals amid a string of sparkling displays for Appleton’s side.
Having proved himself in the third tier, the next step is the Championship.
And Appleton is sure Johnson is ready to go to the next level.
“I’ve not been surprised, I knew about his ability and I spoke to his dad numerous times,” said Appleton, who is friends with Johnson’s father, David, the ex-Reds striker.
“I was delighted that we got the opportunity to sign him. He’s fulfilled the potential that we knew he had.
“To get to the next step, he just needs to play. As far as I’m concerned he can go and comfortably play at Championship level.
“At the end of the day, Chris [Hughton] is a fantastic manager. He’s very experienced and I’m sure Brennan will go back into that squad and play a major part for Forest next season.”
There is one area of Johnson’s game which could be improved as he continues his development.
“Brennan will be the first to admit that he needs to improve his finishing, to a degree,” added Appleton.
“He’s scored some really good goals this year but the amount of opportunities he either creates or gets, I think the ratio of conversation, he’ll be looking to add to that.
“He’s got a lot of assists by winning penalties because of how direct he is.
“The move has been good for both parties and we wish him all the luck.”
