Mcgugan Set For Stardom?

Lewis McGugan can be the next academy player to become a Nottingham Forest star, says team-mate James Perch.



Mcgugan came off the bench after Sammy Clingan broke his ankle in the 12th minute of the 5-1 defeat of Huddersfield, and scored to cap an excellent performance.

And he was one of the better performers in the disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Doncaster.

But Perch says he has not been surprised by the 18-year-old's impact.

'Lewis is brilliant, a great player,' said Perch.

'We've been together a few years now with the academy and I know what he's capable of.

'He had an excellent game against Huddersfield and I was pleased for him that he got the goal.'

Perch is also a great advert for the academy, which has recently produced internationals like Michael Dawson, Jermaine Jenas and Andy Reid.

Perch has become an established first-team player this season, and says McGugan will benefit from the support of the club staff, who will ensure he keeps his feet on the ground.

'At a club like Forest, when you join the academy you are taught all about the history of the club, and the great players it has produced.

'You realise what an honour it is to play for a club that has won the European Cup twice, and been managed by a legend like Brian Clough.

'But because you are aware of that as you go through the academy and youth team, by the time you arrive in the first team you are used to it.

'People like Nick Marshall and Chris Fairclough play a huge part in this, and that's why Lewis will be fine.'




Nottingham Evening Post

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