Wales midfielder Brennan Johnson is hoping to overcome his disappointment of not being included in the squad for the Euros to help them to a World Cup.
“It’s been going really well this season. I think the whole team has been playing really well. We’ve been pushing up the league and myself, I’ve been really enjoying my football.”
The 20-year-old has scored 11 goals this season for Forest who sit in ninth place in the Championship. On the back of playing against Liverpool in the FA Cup, he will be looking to add to his seven caps.
“That was a really tough game against Liverpool, obviously, the champions England for a reason.
“So we knew it was gonna be a tough game. But another massive game on Thursday.
“I think, a similar kind of test against a really good team. But I think everyone’s confident hopefully we can get the win on Thursday.”
Johnson has enjoyed a breakthrough season this year making 36 appearances after spending last season on loan at Lincoln.
“I think at the start of the season, I was just hoping to get as many games as I can,
“Whether that was off the bench or starting and I think as the seasons come on, I’ve got my opportunity to play week in week out.
“And I just wanted to help the team and obviously we didn’t get off to the best start. So I think now helping the team have goals assists and stuff like that, as has been my key focus.”
With the biggest game in Welsh football for a long time, Johnson is trying to remain claim.
“I think everyone’s just trying to stay as calm as possible.
“Obviously, we know how much of a big game this is for. For the whole nation. Getting to the World Cup will be massive, but I think we’re just gonna kind of got to stay calm.”
Johnson was omitted from Rob Page’s Euro 2020 squad and admits it was a disappointment.
“It was disappointing, not being in the Euro squad.
“I spoke to the manager around that time as well. He kind of explained. I think the boys did really well then.
“As soon as that was finished I was just trying to get myself back into the team for the upcoming season.”
Johnson explained Page’s rationale behind him not going to the Euros’.
“I think it wasn’t too much of a case of improving. I think he just kind of went for different players.
“It was a big squad and a lot of good quality in the team.
“I think just improving everything. Taking my game to the next level was kind of the message and hopefully, I’ve been able to do that.”
With Gareth Bale rumoured to be carrying an injury Johnson could find that he has a huge part to play against Austria on Thursday.
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