Steve Cooper was delighted with what he saw from Jesse Lingard on his home debut for Nottingham Forest. Lingard played the full 90 minutes in Forest’s 1-0 win against West Ham as they earned their first points of the Premier League season. Lingard picked up an assist for the only goal, however, their was a slice of fortune with it when his scuffed shot hit a defender and rebounded into Taiwo Awoniyi’s shin and into the net. After the match, Cooper gave his verdict on Lingard’s performance, admitting the former Manchester United man is not match fit, along with other new summer signings.
Steve Cooper said: “Great assist, He showed really good moments. His movement and his tactical awareness, how he played in certain areas was really pleasing. He balanced off his game between staying with the midfield players and being with the two strikers. He had a really positive game and the good thing is he got another 90 minutes in. There’s so many of our boys that are not 100 percent fully fit. Orel made his first start and he’s only been in training a couple of weeks. That’s why he had to come off because he got to his max. Lewis O’Brien had surgery a few days after the play-off final. Okay, he’s up and running now but I’m pleased for him. Cookie (Steve Cook) wasn’t 100 per cent fit and he’s had to come on and do what he did, which was fantastic and there’s Jesse as I said. Today really helps as we needed to get the first win and it’s just another step forwards to being a full blown team in all levels in terms of physicality and momentum and being the team we want to be.”
