Forest boss Cooper talks up Williams ahead of Liverpool reunion

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says he's happy with Neco Williams.

Williams could start at former club Liverpool later today.

Cooper said: Me and Neco have spoken pretty openly about it," said Cooper. It's his first year playing a lot in the Premier League - although I know he's had spells out of the team as well.

Overall, he's made good progression. But in making that progression, there's been some real positives. He started the season really well and put in some really important performances.

And then there's been times where there's been a little lull. There's no shame in that. I've told him that's pretty normal for his age - you could also say it about some of the other young players in our team, they've just gone through it at different times.

But overall, he has definitely made progress. We're happy with him.

He's going to Anfield this weekend. If he plays, it will be an important game for him, having spent so much time there from the age of six or seven. I was coaching at Liverpool at the time and I remember him.

He's had a typical first year in Premier League football, where, on the whole, I think he's progressed, but that journey is up and down. He's also had a World Cup in there.

What I do know is he's a great lad, in terms of his attitude. He's really committed to his work and to getting better. He really feels the disappointments because he wants to do so well. And he really feels the highs for the same reason. That will help him get to where he wants to get to, because attitude is so important."