The international break has given the Nottingham Forest fanbase a chance to see some of their top stars in action, but even some of the fringe stars have shone for their country.
The most impressive display thus far has been Dan Ndoye’s two-assist showing for Switzerland, so much so that Forest fans want to see Ndoye on the left for Nuno Espírito Santo going forward.
On the other hand, Neco Williams struggled for Wales in their narrow victory over Kazakhstan, while Chris Wood failed to score for New Zealand in the Soccer Ashes against Australia.
Looking past the regular starters for Forest, though, one star who has yet to make an appearance for the Reds showed his worth on Friday night.
Angus Gunn applauds the fans after Denmark vs Scotland
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Angus Gunn shines in goal for Scotland against Denmark
The addition of a third-choice goalkeeper is never going to garner much attention, but Forest signed Angus Gunn to fill the role with his extensive experience at Norwich City.
Perhaps what sets Gunn apart from other back-up keepers, though, is his role on the international stage as he is regularly selected to be Scotland’s number one, seen on Friday when Steve Clarke’s side travelled to face Denmark.
It was clearly set to be Scotland’s most challenging clash of their World Cup qualifiers, but a clean sheet for Gunn saw the visitors earn a 0-0 draw, leading to plenty of praise in the media for the Forest man.
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Edinburgh Evening News gave Gunn a 7/10 and said: “Well down the pecking order at his club, but still given the nod by Clarke. Mopped up well first half as Denmark threatened. Breathed a sigh of relief when Dreyer’s effort found the side-netting. Tremendous double save late on.”
Even more positive was The Herald, which gave him an 8/10 and added: “Was tested inside five minutes with a free header for Dolberg, but this would’ve been ruled out for offside had it gone in. Off his line quickly to smother Biereth. Made a great double-save late on, but Hojlund was offside this time.”
Looking deeper at the numbers, it’s clear to see that Forest have a reliable back-up between the sticks should Gunn ever be required.
Angus Gunn showed Nottingham Forest he can be relied upon
After Gunn arrived at the City Ground, Forest signed John Victor from Botafogo to act as second choice behind Matz Sels, making it unlikely that Gunn will actually make an appearance for the Reds any time soon.
However, should a scenario play out where he is called upon, his showing against Denmark will have given Nuno Espírito Santo confidence.
Statistic Angus Gunn vs Denmark
Saves 2
Punches 4
Accurate long balls 10
Aerial duels won 2/2
Even with Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund on the pitch in the second half, Gunn held strong to keep his clean sheet, making two saves and winning both of his aerial duels.
Alongside that, he helped Scotland get up the pitch with ten accurate long balls, a crucial aspect of the game given that Clarke’s side only mustered 26% possession.
It’s not a performance that would see him displace Sels, but those back on Trentside will have been delighted with Gunn’s efforts against Denmark.