Nottingham Forest made their debut in the Premier League International Cup on Monday night, with the B-Team taking on PSV. It proved a baptism of fire for the youngsters as they lost 3-1 but Josh Powell did catch the eye.
It’s been a whirlwind few months for the Forest starlet. With the Reds losing Renan Lodi in the summer and Omar Richards not yet fit, the academy talent was handed the chance to stake his claim for a place in pre-season.
The player didn’t disappoint and the experience should put him in good stead going forward as he progresses. Now, he is back in the academy ranks and he gave a good account of himself against PSV.
At 18-years-old, the player has bags of time left to develop. He looks like a modern-day full-back and that can only bode well as Steve Cooper looks to get his team playing with attacking options in the wide defensive areas.
Powell was on hand to help create a consolation goal for Forest on Monday night. It was his tireless work that led to Muhlis Dagasan putting through his own goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
At 18, the player is looking every inch like a future first-team player. He made several appearances for the club during pre-season and the training camp out in Spain will have served him well.
Powell will get plenty of opportunities with the B-Team this season. He will be the first choice out in the left wing-back role and all he can do is continue to improve.
The youngsters from PSV play in a league where they play against men. Powell didn’t look out of place against them on Monday, or last week in the Papa John’s Trophy against the Harrogate first team.
Cooper clearly fancies Powell as a decent player. All he can do is continue to catch the eye when he does get chances and he could make the step up to first-team action in the future.
