Arvin Appiah has made five appearances for Nottingham Forest since April, hinting that Martin O’Neill could be thinking of including the 18-year-old in the first-team next season – his new deal in January was another indicator.
He’s made seven appearances in all competitions, coming off the bench in the EFL Cup against Burton Albion (October 30, 2018) while making substitute outings in the Championship against Leeds United (January 1, 2019), Rotherham United (April 6) and Sheffield United (April 19).
The England u19 international has started two league games against Sheffield Wednesday (April 9) and Blackburn Rovers (April 13) and was an unused substitute on nine occasions in all competitions. Appiah was on the periphery for the majority of the season, but his inclusion under O’Neill suggests progression.
He made only one Championship appearance between August and March but has become a familiar face during the run-in due to the numerous opportunities handed to him by O’Neill. The Forest boss clearly feels Appiah could have a bright future at the City Ground and hasn’t been shy selecting him.
The right-winger, who can operate on the left and through the middle, has risen through the youth ranks to the Reds’ first-team and is now tasked to stay in the senior squad.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
‘I’ll never forgive the manager if he gets rid’ – some fans hope Nottingham Forest man stays
