- by Simon Banks

 Nottingham Forest are a club steeped in history; They've won two European Cups (something big clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City still can't lay claim to). Unfortunately, the last 15 years has seen them languishing in the lower leagues and they've had to rely on producing young talent to help elevate the club.

The conveyor belt at Forest has definitely been attracting attention with Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow signing for Newcastle United this summer, before being immediately loaned back to Forest to aid them in their hunt for promotion.

Ben Osborn is another player gathering lots of attention and has already represented England at U18 and U19 youth levels. Forest have been quick to act, giving the 20-year old up-and-coming midfielder a new five-year deal. It's now hoped the player can make the central midfield role his own and spur the club on to promotion.

It could so easily have been a case of a near miss though, with former Forest manager Frank Clarke admitting that troubles with the former owners meant that Osborn nearly didn't receive a professional contract.

Clarke said, "I'm really pleased to see young Ben come through because I had a real fight with the financial people to get him a new contract.

"He was one of a few players who had done well in the academy and I felt - and more importantly the academy people felt - they deserved pro contracts for a couple of years to give them a chance to take that next step."

Fortunately, Osborne was given a contract and has gone from strength to strength since. He made his debut at the back end of last season against Ipswich Town, playing a big part in the remaining games of the season.

Stuart Pearce took over the club as manager in the summer and has been equally impressed with Osborn, first involving him in the pre-season training plans and then giving him a run in the first team, something which Osborn has grabbed with both hands. Pearce's recent comments will definitely give Osborn a lot of hope for the future.

He said, "He has real character and I am proud of him. That is the right word for me to use, I think. Proud.

"No matter what was going on around him, he showed the character and determination. He was unshakable. He had the mentality to say 'do you know what, I am going to go and play my game, regardless of the pressure on this team'.

"Sometimes as a young man, you can do that. He has done himself no harm in my eyes, during my time at the club."

Osborne has been compared to former Forest favourite, Archie Gemmill, an all-time great. Osborn has an eye for a pass and, despite his relatively small frame, has excelled in the slightly deeper role in midfield, proving good foil for Henry Lansbury.

Forest started the season on fire but have fallen slightly off the pace as of late. They will hope players like Ben Osborn can inspire them to move up the table and help secure promotion to the Premier League next season.