Nottingham Forest winger gets valuable minutes for the u23s ahead of Stoke clash

Jamie Ward played for Nottingham Forest’s u23s against Leicester City on Thursday afternoon, scoring a goal in a 3-1 win for the Reds ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Stoke. Brennan Johnson scored a brace for Forest after Admiral Muskwe gave Leicester the lead.

Ward returned from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic in January and is working hard to get himself back in favour under Martin O’Neill. He may not make the squad to face the Potters, however.

The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer and looks unlikely to be handed an extension as he’s struggled for playing time in the last 18 months. Ward has only made eight appearances for Forest since May 2017 and has spent more time out on loan at Cardiff City (January 31, 2018 – May 31) and Charlton (August 31 – January 1, 2019).

With Ben Osborn and Lewis Grabban able to play on the left-wing, Ward has stiff competition for a starting place. He’s been low down the pecking order for some time so all he can do is work hard for the reserve team in front of O’Neill. Ward played against Sheffield United u23s in mid-February, but his chances of a return to the first-team are slim while the side are winning games.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article