Nottingham Forest

Des Walker: 'My son Tyler is better than me'

By Tom Nightingale, Reporter | 25 September 2015

Nottingham Forest favourite Des Walker says that his son Tyler, currently playing as a forward for the Championship club, is a more talented player than he ever was.

Former Nottingham Forest and England defender Des Walker has admitted that his son Tyler, who broke into the first team at the City Ground at the end of last season, is a more talented player than he ever was.

Walker Sr made 321 league appearances for Forest over two spells, as well as winning 59 caps for England between 1988 and 1993.

However, he is adamant that his 18-year-old son has the potential to have a greater career than he ever did, and has admitted that the way Forest fans have taken to the young forward is a source of pride.

"He is a more talented player than I was," he told BBC Sport. "I only had to kick people. I was not bad at kicking people but he is a creative player and they are the talented ones.

"He spent seven or eight hours a day smashing up my house playing football and that's why he has got where he has today. He has carved out his own niche.

"When I hear Forest fans singing 'he is one of our own', that always hits me hard, because he is one of their own. I was born in London, but he is born here, lives here and loves the club. They appreciate that, so for them to give that back is amazing."

Tyler Walker has scored twice in 15 appearances for the Championship club since making his senior debut in March, as well as netting twice in his first match for the England Under-20s side.