‘Always battle back’ – USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner responds to costly mistakes at Nottingham Forest as questions are asked of future in January transfer window

The Reds acquired the United States international a matter of days before the 2023-24 campaign got underway, with there an alarming lack of shot-stoppers at the City Ground. Turner has been in and out of the Forest team since then, with questions being asked of whether he can be trusted – particularly with the ball at his feet.

On the back of another glaring error in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United, which he responded positively to, there has been talk of Forest moving to bring in another keeper during the January transfer window. Turner has said of his current position: “You have to be perfect in the Premier League. We weren’t perfect - and I wasn’t perfect - but we dug deep and got the result I think we ultimately deserved. You know, there are ups and downs being a goalkeeper. I’ve had my moments this season. What happened out there was a microcosm of my whole career. I always seem to battle back. I looked around at the guys beside me - they weren’t blaming me and pointing fingers - they had my back and we ended up getting the win. And you never want to make mistakes - but if you are going to make them - you want to respond in the right way and I think I did. So, it was an amazing feeling seeing Morgan score. The boys picked me up. We have each other’s backs. I think that’s clear and, personally, it felt nice. You always want to impact the game, cutting out crosses or making saves. But to have a direct impact on a goal we scored was pleasing - and it made me emotional.”

Turner has work to do in order to win over the Forest fan base, while convincing Nuno Espirito Santo that he can be the Reds’ long-term No.1, with the 29-year-old saying of that challenge: “I think they know I’m trying my best. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m playing for this badge. It means the world to me, being here in Nottingham, I thank them for their support. I hear the chants and feel the love.”

Turner has taken in 16 appearances for Forest this season, with just two clean sheets picked up along the way. He will want to see regular first-team football in 2024 as he has international opportunities to think about heading into the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals and Copa America tournament – which will be staged in the United States.