‘Omari Hutchinson has a great attitude but he’s not good enough for Nottingham Forest’ – recruitment expert

Omari Hutchinson has been left “frustrated” by his lack of starting-XI opportunities so far this season since joining Nottingham Forest in the summer.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old had hoped to be more of an important player at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest lost 2-0 to Brighton last time out, but Hutchinson‘s performance from the bench earned high praise from the supporters yet again.

The former Arsenal academy gem has not started a Premier League game since joining Forest in a £37.5million move from Ipswich during the summer.

However, Sean Dyche is believed to have been impressed by his recent performances on the bench, and could soon be prepared to hand him his starting XI bow.

Omari Hutchinson in action for Ipswich Townq
Credit: Imago

Omari Hutchinson to play improved role under Sean Dyche

Hutchinson has struggled since arriving at Forest, and is now playing under his third manager after struggling to impress Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the winger’s recent displays from the bench should see him in the team under Dyche.

Hutchinson has been frustrated by his lack of playing time,” he told Football Insider.

“That’s understandable, he came in for big money during the summer and would have hoped to have played much more of an important role there.

“I must admit, I had doubts about him when he was at Ipswich, and I didn’t think he was quite of the level required to be a top player in the Premier League.

“But Forest went and paid good money for him because they saw promise in him.

“He’s now doing everything he can to put himself in the frame, when he’s coming off the bench he’s showing a great attitude and determination to make a difference alongside the obvious talent and skill he possesses as well.

“I think that will go some way to impressing Sean Dyche, because that’s what he wants to see.

“Dyche will give him his chance in the starting XI soon, I’m sure, because he’s deserved that off the back of his recent performances, and then we’ll see how he goes.”

Dyche enjoying a strong start at Nottingham Forest

Brown told Football Insider on 24 November that Dyche has inspired a turnaround at Nottingham Forest after reverting to a more defensive style which better suits his players.

Despite the 2-0 defeat to Brighton last time out, there are plenty of positives to point to from his short time in charge, with Hutchinson’s return among those.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Dyche has transformed Nottingham Forest’s star players and helped get them back to their best.

Sean Dyche
Credit: Getty Images

Murillo’s return to top form has been key for the new boss, while the likes of Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic have also impressed.

Brown previously told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest’s struggles were due to key players including Murillo who had yet to step up this season.

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