High five: The players that helped lead Forest back to the top flight
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Going up! 5 key Nottingham Forest players in promotion season
Nottingham Forest returned to the Premier League after a 23-year wait with a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield at Wembley.
Luckless centre-back Levi Colwill put through his own net after James Garner’s teasing cross that Jack Colback ducked under and Ryan Yates failed to reach.
Here, we look at five key players who made their comeback possible.
Brice Samba
Goalkeeper Samba was the hero in their penalty win over Sheffield United in the semi-final, saving three spot-kicks to send Forest to Wembley.
TU TU TU TULU TUTU TU TU TUTULUTUTU
I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH 🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿 pic.twitter.com/ChodiYjbBH— Brice Samba (@samba_brice) May 29, 2022
He kept 14 clean sheets in the regular season and has established himself at the City Ground since joining from Caen in 2019.
Brennan Johnson
The 21-year-old has scored 19 times this season, including in both legs against Sheffield United, to be Forest’s biggest attacking threat. He also won the Sky Bet Championship’s young player of the year award.
The forward was the subject of interest from Brentford in January and, if Forest miss out on promotion, it is likely Johnson will leave the City Ground.
Djed Spence
On loan from Middlesbrough, the right-back has been one of the signings of the season – someone Forest may struggle to keep hold of regardless if they are promoted or not.
He has been integral to Steve Cooper’s plans and has flourished on the right, scoring three times – including in the 4-1 FA Cup demolition of Leicester.
James Garner
Another savvy loan signing, this time from Manchester United, the England Under-21 international has excelled in the second half of the campaign.
It took him time to establish himself under Cooper but his set-piece delivery has been invaluable for the side.
Joe Worrall
The defender has been the heart of Forest having come through the ranks, playing – and scoring – in the FA Cup win over Leicester with some cracked ribs.
He has been linked with the Foxes and West Ham given his form this season.
