Turning point for Nottingham Forest ace explained as January transfer comments emerge

For James Garner, expectations were high when he returned to Nottingham Forest for a second loan spell in the summer.

After quickly impressing in the second half of last season, the Manchester United midfielder had set a particularly high bar.

This term - initially at least - was a bit more of a grind for the 20-year-old.

But boss Steve Cooper can pinpoint almost the exact moment things changed for Garner.

Reading away, November 20. On the face of it, a frustrating 1-1 draw which left the visitors ruing not taking all three points.

For Garner, however, it was a turning point.

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The FA Youth Cup can be a great springboard for Nottingham Forest’s next generation of talent, according to first-team head coach Steve Cooper.

Warren Joyce’s Under-18s progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition with a penalty shootout victory over Cambridge United last week.

Their success came on the same night as Cooper’s team triumphed 2-0 at Ewood Park - which, in a twist of fate, will be the scene for the youth team’s next tie in the cup as they take on Blackburn Rovers on March 3.

Cooper takes a keen interest in the Reds’ academy. A number of Under-23s players regularly train with the senior squad, while the likes of Ateef Konate and Oli Hammond have been included on a matchday.

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After more than 20 years outside of the top flight, Steve Cooper has started to get Nottingham Forest fans dreaming again.

The transformation in fortunes which the Welshman has overseen during his time at the City Ground is remarkable. A promotion push is now very much on for the Reds.

In a particularly tight table - skewed by teams having games in hand - they currently sit seventh, just two points below