Sam Byram made his long-awaited return from injury on Monday afternoon, playing just over an hour of football for the u23s against Colchester in front of Martin O’Neill. The Reds played out a 2-2 draw at the Forest Academy with Arvin Appiah bagging both goals. Forest face Aston Villa on Wednesday, but the midweek meeting should come too soon for the returnee.
Matt Davies of Nottinghamshire Live assessed Byram’s performance and believes he will need a handful of games for the u23s before he’s ready to play in the Forest first-team. It might not be until April that he’s playing under Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane as a result.
O’Neill has picked senior players who impress in the u23s so Byram stands a good chance of getting first-team football if he delivers standout performances and looks fit enough for the demands of Championship football. But with Saidy Janko and Tendayi Darikwa competing for a right-back slot, Byram won’t be rushed back if he isn’t 100%.
The 25-year-old has made only three appearances since joining the Midlands outfit on loan from West Ham United, the last of which came against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on August 29. His knee injury threatened to cut his season short, but fans should see Byram back on the pitch before the campaign comes to a close.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Official: Nottingham Forest without eight players ahead of Hull clash, one doubtful
