Nottingham Forest coach makes 'exciting' James Garner prediction amid Man United loan

Manchester United loanee James Garner is being backed to enjoy a successful career in the Premier League after after shining for Nottingham Forest in the Championship.

The 21-year-old midfielder has played a key role in Steve Cooper's side this season as they prepare for the play-offs and a shot at promotion. He's provided four goals and eight assists in the league during a stellar campaign that saw the team finish fourth in the table.

Garner will return to his parent club in the summer when his loan ends and will get the chance to impress incoming manager Erik ten Hag in pre-season. If that happens, Forest's chances of re-signing the youngster would shrink drastically.

In any case the Birkenhead native's prospects are extremely bright, according to Reds' U18s lead coach Warren Joyce, who previously coached the Man United Reserves for eight years. He's seen up close what the player can do and believes that he is "destined" to play in the top flight.

"He’s done great, you’re delighted for the kid, he came in and was maybe not up to speed, but he’s got better and better, it’s a credit to the culture the manager instils in the football club," Joyce told the Manchester Evening News.

"I think it’s helped him to see what Brennan Johnson, Joe Worrall, Ryan Yates do, how they conduct themselves. He’s bought into the culture the manager instills and the way they conduct themselves.

"There’s a vibrant group of young players there who are destined for the Premier League."

Like just about every player at Forest, Garner struggled under Chris Hughton, but the hiring of Steve Cooper has both player and club flourish. Joyce believes that those hard times will ultimately benefit his career in the long run.

"You need some struggle to