Braian Ojeda has put himself “right in the mix” for a place in the Nottingham Forest team after his debut on Tuesday night.
Boss Steve Cooper was impressed with the Paraguayan, who was included in the starting XI against Luton Town for his first taste of English football.
Ojeda has had to be patient since his summer move to the City Ground, waiting for his opportunity as he adapted to living and working in a new country.
But he took to the Championship well, and served notice that he is ready to fight for a regular spot in the line-up.
“It’s only one game, so we’ll be able to answer how he’s adapted to the Championship once he’s established himself in the team - because that’s the plan for him. And I’m sure his plan is to get in the team and play regularly,” Cooper told NottinghamshireLive.
“He’s had a good introduction, a good first game.
“We would have played him in any game because we believe in the player. But he hasn’t played, simply because the team has been doing okay.
“He’s waited patiently, and now he’s put himself right in the mix.
“It does make it more difficult to pick your team (after Ojeda’s performance), but it’s a nice difficulty. You’d rather that than the other way.
“He’s always been in the mix, but having been given - and taken - his opportunity, then he’s definitely increased his chances.”
There is some tough competition in central midfield, with Ryan Yates, Jack Colback, James Garner and Cafu all looking to catch the manager’s eye - albeit Colback is ruled out of Friday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion after being sent off in midweek.
Ojeda, though, can be proud of the account he gave of himself, according to Cooper.
The 21-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw and was able to sample playing in front of the City Ground crowd.
“I spoke to him afterwards,” Cooper said. “He doesn’t speak perfect English at the moment, but he’s learning. He’s really committing hard to that. You can see every day that he’s really taking things on board.
“He certainly speaks better English than I do Spanish!
“He’s a really good guy. He’s really applied himself brilliantly since he’s come in, in every aspect - because he’s a young guy as well. That’s something I don’t mention too much, that he’s not that experienced in life at his age.
“It was a big thing for him and his family, coming over here.
“It was good to see him play. I thought he played well. It was a positive debut.
“Of course we would like to have won and it would have looked a bit different. But hopefully when he left the stadium he should have been pretty chuffed with himself.
“We did a bit of reflection with him this morning about how his first experience was.
“Like everybody else, when they come in, they realise how big it is here.
“He’s experienced some home games from watching, but it was great for him to experience one actually playing and getting the support behind him.
“I’m sure he’ll be pretty positive with everything so far - he should be.”
