Nottingham Forest manager, Steve Cooper has kind words for Emmanuel Dennis after the Nigerian opened his goal account for the Reds against Aston Villa on Monday.

Dennis was handed his first start by Cooper against Steven Gerrard’s side since his arrival from Sky Bet Championship club, Watford this summer.

The Super Eagles winger repaid his manager’s faith by heading home Morgan Gibbs-White’s set piece early in the game.

The former Club Brugge player also worked tirelessly in the game before he was substituted in the second half.

“He’s waited patiently. Emmanuel is an interesting player and I’m delighted to give him his start,” Cooper told BBC Radio Nottingham.

“I’m really pleased to see him score and generally do well in the team.”

Dennis signed for Forest from Watford in the summer for around £20 million.