Liam Delap, Nottingham Forest’s record signing at £45m, reflects on his journey as he prepares for a potential full debut against Tottenham this Saturday. The 23-year-old striker, who faced challenges during his time at Chelsea and experienced a difficult loan spell, emphasizes the importance of learning from setbacks.

Delap recalls his competitive nature growing up, particularly in matches against his younger brother, Finn. He notes, “There were probably a lot of tears, a lot of fights,” highlighting the rivalry that shaped his mentality.

After a challenging 16 months, including just one goal in 28 appearances, Delap remains focused on improvement. He stated, “It is never a linear path straight to the top,” acknowledging that learning experiences from his loans at Stoke and Preston were crucial for his development.

Last summer, Delap was a sought-after talent, attracting interest from 18 Premier League clubs. He recalls a pivotal conversation with Oliver Glasner, who impressed him with his vision for utilizing Delap’s strengths in physicality and finishing.

Despite being touted as a potential successor to Harry Kane, Delap understands the hard work required to reach his goals. He aspires to represent England at senior level, having been capped at various youth levels alongside talents like Jude Bellingham.

Delap’s debut for Forest saw him contribute to a penalty goal against Liverpool, showcasing his readiness to impact matches. He admits to embracing the physicality of the game, stating, “I play at my best when I’m on that edge of being … being horrible.” With a strong foundation and determination, Delap is poised to make a significant mark at Nottingham Forest.