There was a stage earlier in the season that James Garner looked out-of-favour at Nottingham Forest, but the Manchester United loanee is now a vital cog of the Championship side.
There was a period from October to mid-November, not too long after Steve Cooper had took over from Chris Hughton, that Garner started just two of eight games.
But now the England under-21 international is spearheading Forest’s promotion charge and has impressed in back-to-back FA Cup giant killings against Arsenal and holders Leicester City.
Forest boss Cooper has revealed where he felt the 20-year-old’s turning point in establishing himself as a key part of the side came from.
It was in the 1-1 draw at Reading back in November, where Garner came off the bench and impressed in a 16-minute cameo. Forest’s number 37 hasn’t looked back ever since.
“Jimmy has been a really strong performer for us, probably since he came on against Reading,” Cooper told NottinghamshireLive.
“He came on in the Reading game away from home and had a really good impact, nearly scored and set up a great chance (for Lewis Grabban).
“Since then, I think he’s found another level. What’s important for him – and we’ve spoken about this – is that he doesn’t drop any standards and continues to improve.
“The only way to do that is by continuing to perform well in the next game, and do even better.
“He’s in a good place, Jimmy. But he’s got to work even harder to, at minimum, stay where he is, but hopefully keep improving.
“That will be good for everyone, if he does.”
Since coming on against the Royals, Garner has started the last 15 matches and has completed the full 90 minutes in 14 of those games.
He was brought off in the 88th minute against the Foxes when he was on a yellow card.
Having the versatility to play either in an advanced or deep-lying midfield role, Garner has one goal and two assists from his last four matches.
Cooper won’t take credit for James Garner’s upturn in form, but he wants the youngster to kick on with a large portion of the season remaining.
“We didn’t change anything,” said the former Swansea City manager. “I’m a big believer in players that get themselves into good form and do things.
“He’s trained really well as well. He’s really caught the eye in training with his application and his attitude.
“He’s a winner, Jim. He’s a real winner. He wants to do well.
“He’s just got to keep it going. There’s a long way to go. You’re nowhere near calling it a full season yet – there’s a lot of football to be played.
“He’s got to keep his head down and keep going.”
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