Nottingham Forest

How are Nottingham Forest's players performing out on loan?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 September 2022

With the 2022-23 season having been halted due to the September international break, Sports Mole takes a look at how Nottingham Forest's loan players are performing away from the City Ground.

There was barely a day went by during the summer transfer window where Nottingham Forest were either not being linked with a player or completing a deal.

That was a consequence of a decision made by head coach Steve Cooper to completely overhaul the squad, a certain part of that approach being necessary due to the exits of loan stars.

However, the wide array of players arriving at the City Ground has inevitably led to numerous fringe players and prospects finding themselves further down the pecking order, resulting in moves to other teams down the pyramid.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how Forest's young crop are faring at their respective clubs as they bid to impress a head coach who may be willing to integrate homegrown talent in future years.

WHICH PLAYERS ARE FINDING IT BENEFICIAL?

Tyrese Fornah in action for Reading in July 2022. © Reuters

Ethan Horvath was unfortunate not to make more first-team appearances last season, but the American goalkeeper is making up for that this campaign by being an ever-present for Championship side Luton Town.

Tyrese Fornah is making a similar impact at Reading, the midfielder featuring in each of the Royals' 10 league fixtures as they bid to remain in contention for automatic promotion.

Jonathan Panzo has found himself in and out of the side at Coventry City, but four starts and two substitute outings are steps in the right direction with the remainder of the season in mind.

Down in League Two, Riley Harbottle is starring for Mansfield Town, the 21-year-old defender chipping in with two goals from nine starts for the promotion contenders.

Fin Back has eight starts to his name for Carlisle United, while Forest also have players who are benefitting from representing clubs in the MLS.

Full-back Richie Laryea has contributed three assists from nine starts for Toronto FC, and Braian Ojeda has made one start and three substitute appearances for Real Salt Lake City since the start of September.

WHICH PLAYERS NEED MORE TIME?

Hwang Ui-jo in action for Olympiacos on September 15, 2022 © Reuters

Alex Mighten may have been hoping to earn game time in the Championship this season, but representing Sheffield Wednesday in a League One promotion push will also be a beneficial experience.

As it stands, however, the winger only has one start and two outings from the substitutes' bench in the third tier to his name.

Young forward Will Swan has two goals from his four starts and three substitute appearances for Mansfield, joining Harbottle in making a positive impact at Field Mill.

Summer arrivals Josh Bowler and Hwang Ui-jo found themselves being loaned straight to Olympiacos upon their arrivals at the City Ground.

Midfielder Bowler has two starts and two substitute outings to his name, while South Korean forward Hwang is yet to score in six appearances.