Nottingham Forest academy graduate Ryan Yates made his league debut for the Reds in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Brentford.
The 21-year-0ld became the latest in a long line of young players to make the step up to the first-team.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
A lot of the credit for the healthy state which Forest’s academy is in goes to Gary Brazil.
The academy director is a master of his trade.
Since taking up the role of 2014, several players have risen through the ranks and graced the first-team with their presence.
Ben Osborn, Matty Cash, Oliver Burke, Ben Brereton and now Yates are just a few who have taken the rise through the ranks in their stride.
Central midfielder Yates almost departed the club on loan during the summer.
After waiting patiently, however, he was rewarded with a chance to impress on Saturday.
The man who spent time on loan at Notts County and Scunthorpe last season didn’t disappoint.
An energetic performance saw him look composed in possession and strong in the tackle, as supporters oozed over his performance.
Yates showed maturity way beyond his tender years and he must be very hopeful of receiving more opportunities between now and May.
Following Saturday’s game, Brazil took to Twitter to speak of his pride at Yates’ impressive showing, tweeting:
Couldn’t be more proud of Ryan Yates. Full league debut for NFFC today in front of a full house. The Academy has to develop players with character and a desire to be the best they can be everyday. Ryan is a great example to every young player on their journey
— Gary Brazil (@GazBraz) February 9, 2019
The trusted mentor of the club’s academy prospects is seen as something of a cult hero at the City Ground and fans were quick to react to his tweet…
Blimey Gary how many millions have you & your staff made for this club?👏👏👍
— Paul John Garner. (@Springfieldred) February 9, 2019
What a game he had – showed maturity, composure and strength – certainly not afraid to get stuck in and stand up to more experienced players – well deserved MOM
— red_claudius (@red_claudius) February 9, 2019
Keep churning them out. You guys are a huge credit to our club
— Steve Hammonds (@CornwallRed) February 9, 2019
You must be buzzing on days like today mr.Brazil. Well done and will give your team and youngsters a lot of motivation to push themselves. 👏👏👏
— ian broomfield (@ianbroomfield1) February 9, 2019
So pleased that Martin has given him the opportunity he has deserved for a while now. He didnt disappoint great full league debut.
— Jazz (@rambler82) February 9, 2019
He was excellent too. A credit to the club and academy. #nffc
— Steve Battlemuch (@Battlemuch4WW) February 9, 2019
As good a league debut for a youngster as any I’ve seen in a Forest shirt over the last 40 years. Also spoke very well after the game on @BBCRNS. Great foundations.
— Sheldon Miller (@SheldonMiller) February 9, 2019
Well said!! And I’m sure you will be the first person he Thanks, you must be as proud as he is tonight. 👏👏
— GRANT SHACKLOCK (@ShacklockGrant) February 9, 2019
Another success Gary ⚽️
— Karl Matthews (@karlm2017) February 9, 2019