Nottingham Forest
Under-21s
The Under-21s compete in the Under-21 League 2 as well as the recently formed Under-21 Premier League Cup.
Under-18s
The Under-18s are involved in both the Under-18 League 2 and the FA Youth Cup.
Under 21 Squad
Dimitar Evtimov:
Goalkeeper
The Bulgarian Under 21 international is currently gaining valuable first-team experience on loan at Mansfield Town.
The 21-year-old made his league debut for The Reds in April 2014 when he replaced the injured Dorus de Vries with ten minutes to spare in a 2-0 victory at Leeds United’s Elland Road.
He signed from Chavdar Etropole in 2011 and in July 2014 put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal at the club.
Aaron Myles:
Goalkeeper
The Irishman is battling for a spot in the Under 21s side with fellow keeper Ross Durrant.
Myles has appeared for Republic of Ireland at youth level and will hope to prove to Jimmy Gilligan that he is his best option between the sticks.
Ross Durrant:
Goalkeeper
Durrant was a surprise inclusion on the bench for Forest in their recent League Cup second-round victory over Huddersfield Town.
Allocated squad number 36, the blonde-haired figure will be aiming to continue to impress Stuart Pearce and his coaching staff throughout the 2014-15 campaign.
Roger Riera:
Defender
Forest signed the Spanish defender on a two-year deal from Barcelona in July 2014.
The 19-year-old is no stranger to silverware after winning nine titles and the UEFA Youth Champions League crown in his time captaining the Spanish giants’ youth team.
The ball-playing centre back, who has also featured at right back, scored his first Forest Under 21s’ goal in the 4-0 win away at Sheffield Wednesday.
Ilias Polimos:
Defender
The Greek youth international featured regularly for the Under 21s in the 2013-14 campaign.
The 20-year-old is well accustomed to striding forward to join attacks from the back.
He joined the club from Greek outfit Panionios in 2013 and now faces a battle to displace the likes of Louis Laing and Roger Riera, who are both capable of playing in his position.
Jake Wholey:
Defender
The youngster will be battling with Kieron Fenton for a role at left back this season.
Competition does not stop there with Jack Kelly knocking on the door with some consistent performances for the Under 18s.
Released by Notts County in 2013, Wholey has made a commendable start to the current campaign, chipping in with a goal and an assist in the 4-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.
Kieron Fenton:
Defender
The left-sided centre back has often worn the captain's armband over the years for the Under 18s and the Under 21s.
His imposing presence and ability to read the game allowed him to play an integral role in Forest’s remarkable Youth Cup run in 2013, which saw the club reach the semi-final before being knocked out by Norwich City.
Edouard Schoenecker:
Midfielder
The central midfielder's work-rate is an admirable attribute.
Using his compact, muscular frame to break up play and win challenges, the Cameroonian can help Jimmy Gilligan's men turn possession over and be on the front foot in seconds.
Wilfried Gnahore:
Midfielder
The Ivorian can play anywhere behind the strikers. He featured in the Under 17s World Cup in 2011 and will be aiming to push on and reach his full potential this season.
His power and speed have proved to be a great asset for club and country in recent seasons but he now needs to pin down a permanent place in attack.
Jack Blake:
Midfielder
The young midfielder will be hoping to replicate the rise that Ben Osborn has made after featuring so frequently alongside him in the garibaldi at youth level.
Blake spent a portion of last season on loan at Mansfield Town and earned a spot on the bench for Forest’s pre-season friendly away at York City.
He's forged an excellent understanding with Jorge Grant and Josh Rees in midfield, with his robustness and ability to pick a pass coming to the fore.
Josh McDonald:
Midfielder
The Australian signed a deal with The Reds in the summer of 2014.
He spent time training with Sydney FC and Aston Villa and opted to sign for Forest after long-term interest from the club.
MacDonald has expressed his ambition to test himself in English football and to eventually represent his country.
Deimantas Petravicius:
Midfielder
The right winger already has two senior caps for Lithuania and will be dreaming of facing England at Wembley in March’s Euro 2016 qualifier.
A hefty physical presence with a useful turn of speed, he provides a good outlet when The Reds spring on the attack with pace.
Josh Rees:
Midfielder
The energetic battler was given his first-team debut by Gary Brazil against Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the 2013-14 season, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute.
Rees will want to ensure that cameo won't be his only appearance on the big stage but will find it tough, with Stuart Pearce arguably possessing some of the best central midfielders in the Championship.
Jorge Grant:
Midfielder
As part of the travelling party that flew to Portugal in pre-season, Grant has already had a taste of the challenging first-team environment.
Pearce has been full of praise for Grant and awarded him his competitive debut in the League Cup first-round win at Tranmere Rovers.
Another product of the Nike Academy, the Oxford-born attacking midfielder has his sights set on even more first-team appearances.
Derrick Otim:
Striker
Like his brother Elvis, who plays at Under 18s level, Otim is in his element dropping into space and receiving the ball to feet.
He has a powerful shot in his armory and can beat a man with his acceleration. The unpredictability of his play makes him a handful for the opposition to pick up.
