Cooper raves about ‘interesting’ Emmanuel Dennis after Forest draw with Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has praised striker Emmanuel Dennis after the Nigerian scored his first Premier League goal for the club in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Dennis, who was used as the top striker in place of Taiwo Awoniyi headed home a Morgan Gibbs-White set piece to put Forest ahead on 15 minutes before Ashley Yound ensured a share of the points seven minutes later.

After the game, Cooper raved about the Nigerian who helped the club claim a precious point at home after a run of five Premier League games without a point.

“He’s waited patiently. Emmanuel is an interesting player and I’m delighted to give him his start.

“I’m really pleased to see him score and generally do well in the team,” Cooper told BBC Radio Nottingham.

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

He scored 10 goals and bagged six assists in 33 Premier League games for the Hornets last season.