‘Help us’ – Hope for USMNT star Gio Reyna in Nottingham Forest loan as Premier League ‘impact’ is finally made

The United States international has had to be patient since completing a loan move away from Borussia Dortmund during the winter transfer window. Injury issues have done little to aid that cause, but the 21-year-old playmaker has seen limited game time when fit.

Reyna was, however, required to step off the bench an hour into a Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at the City Ground. Within seconds of his introduction in that contest, Forest found an equaliser that earned them a precious point in an ongoing battle to avoid relegation.

Reyna combined with Morgan Gibbs-White before Chris Wood was teed up for an impressive looping header, with the American showing what he is capable of when given an opportunity to prove his worth. Reds boss Nuno Espirito Santo told reporters afterwards: “He had an impact on the game. This is what we expected. He was able to control the possession. It was a good combination with Morgan before the goal. Today, it was Gio. Tuesday is going to be another one. This is what we expect from all of our players - if you play one minute, help us and have an impact on the game.”

There have been calls for Reyna to be handed his full Premier League debut when Forest play host to Fulham on Tuesday – with a first start potentially on the cards. There are just eight games left for Reyna to make his mark in the English top-flight before the 2023-24 campaign comes to a close.