The life of Ryan: Yates sets perfect example for young Reds to follow

RYAN Yates sets the perfect example for young players trying to break through at the highest level, according to Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche.

- By SARAH CLAPSON

Nigel Doughty Academy graduate Yates scored his first European goal for the Reds as he set them on their way to a 3-0 Europa League victory over Malmo on Thursday evening. It was a proud moment for the midfielder, who has been at the club since the age of eight.

His goal came on a special night for Forest at the City Ground. With this match a repeat of the 1979 European Cup final, there were lots of nods to the past as the Reds' Miracle Men were celebrated.

"I have been very fortunate to get to know some of the legends over the last few years," said Dyche. "They are great people, as well as having been great players. They will know what Yatesy is about. He is a proper professional and he deserves a lot of credit since I have been here, and many managers before have also spoken about him. It was a very good performance from him.