BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher has hailed Scott McKenna for his performance in Nottingham Forest’s play-off final victory.
Forest secured a return to the Premier League after 23 years away as they squeezed past Huddersfield Town with a 1-0 victory at Wembley.
Levi Colwill diverted the ball into his own net to break the deadlock just before the break, and as the Terriers went in search of an equaliser in the second period, they were repelled in all areas and failed to manage a shot on target, with the Forest defence staying strong.
McKenna was right at the heart of the watertight rearguard, receiving the Man of the Match award on Sky Sports – and Fletcher was quick to sing his praises.
Speaking on the Garibaldi Red Podcast, he said: “I thought Scott McKenna was the best player on the pitch, and I thought he was assisted brilliantly by the two fellas alongside him, Joe Worrall and Steve Cook. I thought the back three was the reason why we are in the Premier League based on yesterday. I thought McKenna was outstanding.”
TIF Thoughts on McKenna and Forest…
Nottinghamshire Live reporter Sarah Clapson also credited the Scotsman for his performance and gave him an 8.5/10 player rating, saying: “A typical performance from the centre-back. Kept his cool when on the ball and helped keep Huddersfield at arm’s length when they pushed forward.”
It was a robust display from the 25-year-old, as he made two clearances, had 71 touches, won three duels and one block, as well as completing a game-high 85% of his passes.
The defender joined from Aberdeen in 2020 and will now be playing against the best that the English game has to offer next season. His immense showing yesterday will be exactly what Forest need if they are to stay afloat in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see how McKenna and the rest of the squad perform at that level.