'Wonderful' Brennan Johnson snapping at heels of Gareth Bale and is a credit to Nottingham Forest

Rob Page says Brennan Johnson is snapping at the heels of Gareth Bale for a place in his Wales plans following the 20-year-old's meteoric rise at Nottingham Forest.

The Wales head coach, who this week named his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup play-off semi-final against Austria, is one of many admirers of the attacking midfielder, having watched him surge through the age groups in recent years.

Johnson has netted 12 goals and clocked up five assists for Steve Cooper's side this season, and his form has seen him heavily tipped for a move to the Premier League.

Burnley, Everton, Newcastle United, Leeds United and Crystal Palace were among the teams linked with the Welshman during the recent January window, while Brentford saw a bid of around £18m knocked back for his services.

It seems inevitable that Johnson will end up as a top-flight player at some point, but Page believes the midfielder has made the right decision in staying at the City Ground.

"I’ve been a fan of Brennan for the last two or three years," he said. "Having worked with him in the younger age groups. He’s excelling at Championship level. He’s definitely capable of playing higher. I respect the fact he wanted to stay and get that experience. What pleases me with Brennan is he’s gone out and done the hard yards.

"He went out to lower league clubs and played competitive football from an early age.

"That’s why he’s doing what he’s doing now in my opinion. He didn’t sit at Forest and play with the under-23s. They’ve developed him really, really well.

"Gary Brazil at Nottingham Forest has developed him in a great way. There was a questions about his discipline without the ball - well they played him as a central midfielder to make sure he tracked