The joy of the victory brought back from Glasgow had not yet dissipated when Don received another piece of good news.

"Are you sure?" In his office, Donn stared at Fleming, the team doctor in front of him.

Fleming nodded, "Sure." ”

Seeing him say this, Don looked down at the stack of papers in his hand again.

This is the latest report on Eastwood's recovery, and the team's medical team has followed Eastwood's body and will have a daily check-up to see how he is recovering.

The conclusions drawn from this report are encouraging.

'We agreed that after more than a month of recovery and training, Eastwood was ready to play for competitive games.

Although Eastwood was already training with the team, Don couldn't have sent a gypsy on the field without the team doctor.

Donn turned his head to look out the window at the training ground, where Eastwood was training with the team.

"Did you tell him?"

Fleming shook his head: "I have to be the first to inform you." ”

"Hmmm......"

"However, although he is physically able to handle the game, he still can't guarantee to play 90 minutes."

"Of course." Don nodded and said, "Don't say ninety minutes, forty-five minutes is impossible." Let's let him get used to the rhythm and atmosphere of the game......"

Fleming nodded in agreement.

Donn got up from his seat and walked out with Fleming.

It's the last day of training before the game, and Donn needs to announce the squad for the game.

※※※

The day's training is over and everyone can relax. Eastwood was joking with his team-mates, and with him on the team, there were more laughs than ever. He's such a guy who can liven up the atmosphere and make people like.

Donn and Fleming walked into the training ground, he was called out by Fleming just now, and everyone knew that it must have something to do with Eastwood.

"Announcing the squad for tomorrow's game." Tang Enyang raised the paper in his hand, and the training ground fell silent.

'Goalkeeper Van der Sar, Roche. Defenders Sun Jihai, Bale, Zim Bonda, Pique, Pepe. Midfielders: Wood, Demy, Ribery, Young, Lennon, Arteta. The striker ...... "Reading this, Don looked up at the crowd.

"Anelka."

The Frenchman smiled lightly, which was not surprising to him. Now he's the team's top scorer, wouldn't it be a joke if he couldn't even make the squad?

"Bendtner."

The Dane is also used to being in the squad and starting line-up, and this season Eastwood injury has given him more appearances, although not as good as Anelka, but also a small success.

If there are no surprises, these two will be the starting strikers in tomorrow's game.

In the last Champions Cup game, it was Anelka and Viduka who started the game. On that occasion, Donn would prefer Viduka's European experience, but in the domestic league, Donn will need Bendtner's drive and fitness.

There are a total of sixteen people in the squad, and Don has already reported the names of fifteen people, so the remaining one should be a substitute striker.

Don took the list and watched as the crowd said the last man's name: "Eastwood." ”

There was a whistle in the team.

Eastwood's eyes widened as he heard his name as he looked at his teammates who were congratulating him – he couldn't believe it himself.

※※※

"According to the squad we just got for both sides, it was found that Forest striker Freddy, who has been out for 10 months due to injury; Eastwood is on this list. ”

"Ten months...... To be honest, I'm skeptical that Eastwood will ever be able to get back to his old form. Looking at what happened after Ronaldo's injury and before his injury, I would say that Forest fans don't like to hear it, but I would also say that I'm not optimistic about Eastwood's future career. "Mark; As a guest commentator on this game, Laurence is destined to be hated by Forest fans.

John, who is in charge of the commentary; Mortenson coughed, "Mark, this isn't on the BBC's "Today's Event." ”

Laurentian shrugged: "It's not likable to be honest. A player who has undergone three surgeries on his right knee in two years, I think it's too hard to get back to his previous form, it's almost impossible. Tony; I'm very touched by Coach Donn's concern for his players, but I think he should reconsider bringing in one or two strikers this summer. ”

This sentence is actually very euphemistic, and Laurenson means to let Donn give up Eastwood and find a new striker to replace the Gypsies in the team.

Mortenson shook his head: "I don't think Coach Don will do what you say. ”

"Professional football is brutal...... Very brutal. Laurentian shrugged. It's a miracle that Eastwood is back on the pitch and I think Forest fans should be happy to see him at the City Stadium. ”

In fact, Mortenson didn't want to admit it, and he had to think that Laurenson's statement was correct. Emotions aside, Eastwood really can't go back to the way things were, and after such a serious injury, how can it still be as if nothing happened? His body could not support the fierce confrontation, and his state was in doubt. Then Tony; How will Don deal with this problem?

Is it to seek a successor for Eastwood in the summer transfer market? Or do you continue to use gypsies who don't know when your body will have problems again?

Responsible for the players? Responsible for the club? Or is it for ...... What is responsible?

While Laurence was commenting on Eastwood, Donn was giving his players tasks in the dressing room and didn't hear it. Otherwise, I'm afraid he will go crazy with Laurenson on the spot.

Watching the head coach arrange the specific tasks of each starting teammate in the dressing room, Eastwood sat on the side, although nothing happened to him, and there was still a smile on his face.

He loved it all. Ten months, he hadn't heard the head in the locker room speak in high spirits for ten months.

So even if it's just a listener, a viewer, he doesn't care. Even if he doesn't play, it's nothing, as long as he's here, in the 16-man squad, it means that he's part of the team and no one has abandoned him. He doesn't care what the outside world thinks of his re-entry into the roster because it's not the people out there who make the decision, it's the manager and team-mates here.

Sitting in the locker room and listening to the boss's speech, watching him wave his arms vigorously to boost morale, it seems that the spit stars can spray on the ceiling...... It's all a little strange already.

'We lost away to Newcastle in the first half of the league and today it was their turn to taste the same! On our home turf, give them a little bit of a look, guys! Don grinned and clenched his fists.

※※※

Eastwood sat on the bench with a circle of media in front of them, and they pointed their cameras and camera lenses at Eastwood in their coats. As a player returning after 10 months of injury, perhaps as Laurenson says, whether or not he can return to his previous form, being back on the sidelines is a big enough victory.

It is precisely because of this that the media is now paying attention to him, and it is admirable that he can get back on his feet after three knee surgeries in two years. As for how much more he can play......

Everyone will tacitly avoid talking about it - why embarrass people? Isn't this confusing? Ask Nottingham Forest supporters, how many would be naïve enough to think that their 'Rooney Rooney' would continue to score goals for the team? Perhaps the most they said was, "We're happy to see him again." ”

Everyone in the City Stadium stands looked at Eastwood on the bench with a thick coat, but beneath that joyful surface, there was probably more of a sympathy.

- He can't get back to the top, so he's going to be secondary, and we're content to be here and play occasionally.

Eastwood in the camera smiled at the reporters in front of him, then looked over them and onto the pitch, where the match between the two sides was about to begin.

※※※

When the game started, Eastwood stopped laughing. He stared at the field with a serious expression and a very focused expression.

He must familiarize himself with the rhythm of the game, the atmosphere of the game, and even the taste of the game as soon as possible. He doesn't know when he's going to get his chance to play, this game, maybe the next game, the next game. But he is convinced that he will definitely play, and at that time he will have to show his strength, and it is a luxury to warm up and find a feeling when it comes to the game......

Eastwood knows what his situation is now, because of physical reasons, the boss can't give himself too much time, if he can't take the opportunity in the limited time, then ...... What else is he for? Which team will raise a cripple? No matter how deep the relationship is, there will be a day when the contract expires.

Eastwood signed a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest, two years later. It is customary for the club to sit down with the player and the player's agent a year before the contract expires to discuss a contract extension – if both parties are interested in renewing the contract. In other words, there are still two years left before the time to decide Eastwood's future, and these two years are not a short time, but they are not a long time.

The Gypsy of course knows that he can't go back to where he was when he wasn't injured and that he has to make some changes if he wants to survive in professional football. In the past, he could do well by relying on his skills and speed, but perhaps in the future, he will need to rely more on his brains than on his legs.

Start now.

Eastwood rested his chin on his hands and followed his eyes closely on the players running on the field, sketching a new picture in his mind.

※※※

The game went smoothly, with Nottingham Forest holding out the visiting Newcastle at home and a goal from Nicolas Anelka in the first half. The French striker has scored thirteen goals in the league charts and is fourth behind Manchester United goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. This is a result that those who opposed the introduction of Anelka before the season could not have imagined.

In this game, Don made some local rotations, such as replacing Zim Bonda as the starting right-back with Sun Jihai and using Gareth; Bale replaces Leighton; Barnes started at left-back. Sun Jihai and Bale are both offensive and defensive types, and Donne's meaning is very clear, that is, to attack at home and use offense to defeat Newcastle.

Before the game, Don told Sun Jihai and Bale that they should try to be as bold as possible in the game to press forward and assist, don't worry about the back, there is George; Wood is here, one person can be used for two people. Afraid of what? Don't worry, be bold and plug it in for me!

In the game, the two really did what Donn said, and the full-backs inserted assists again and again to make Newcastle's defense unguarded and have a headache.

Originally, the two full-backs of the Forest team were already very powerful, and the wing attack has always been the characteristic and tradition of the Forest team. Now, in addition to the full-back assists, the two full-backs of the Forest team are working at the same time, like the tide of the sea, wave after wave, wave after wave, and the wave is endless......

Look at George again; What about Wood? Sitting in the back, he could be seen from any corner of the second half. Sometimes as a cameo full-back, sometimes as a centre-back in the box to clear the ball with a header, and of course more often to block Newcastle's counter-attack in the front of midfield.

Newcastle had made up their minds to win by taking a point at the City Stadium, but they didn't expect to be led instead, and now, if they don't attack, they will leave Nottingham with defeat. But if they do get out, they may continue to concede goals, and Forest's offensive momentum in this game has made them hesitate.

Although Newcastle have a world-class goalscorer like Owen, they are facing a more aggressive George; Wood, he couldn't do better, Wood's rough defense naturally made Irving's supporters shout at him, but as long as the referee doesn't blow fouls on the football field, these are all defensive actions allowed by the rules.

'Look at Owen, he's not as good as he used to be when he came to Newcastle with a lot of injuries. Laurenson, who is also a former Liverpool player, said this to make people think that perhaps his previous assessment of Eastwood really had nothing to do with his feud with Donne.

"As a thin center, but you have to go toe-to-toe with the opponent's strong defenders many times, it's impossible to not get hurt physically. If Irving continues to play like this, he'll have to suffer from more injuries. ”

Laurenson is calmly analysing Owen's present and future, but to Nottingham Forest fans, he seems to be talking about Eastwood's present and future......

George on the field; Wood managed to prevent Michael, who was in a state of decline due to injury; Owen, the boy who chased the wind and England's golden boy, now faces Wood, but can only gasp and bow his head back after a hasty shot. Looking at the stubble around his chin, I really don't know if this is Owen's new look or if he doesn't have time to take care of his appearance anymore.

This scene has made many people really wonder what it feels like, Eastwood, which Nottingham Forest fans once loved so much, will one day become like this, and it won't be long......

The first half ended with Forest dominating across the board and threatening Newcastle on multiple occasions.

Hearing the whistle at the end of the half, Eastwood and his team-mates on the bench stood up and talked happily about the half-time that had just ended, the team was ahead, the game was still dominant, and everyone was relieved.

The television broadcast gave Donn a shot before turning to the substitutes, fixing it on Eastwood's face and following him until he walked into the players' hallway.

At half-time, Donn didn't say anything, just praised the players' performance in the first half and encouraged them to continue in the second half.

Emotions were high and it didn't seem like much of a problem to win the half. Eastwood was still sitting in front of his cupboard in the dressing room, smiling at everyone.

※※※

After the resumption of the second half, it was clear that Newcastle were reluctant to leave Nottingham and they stepped up their attack, not in terms of squad or player changes, but in determination – they were determined to turn things back in the second half.

The game was not as simple as Nottingham Forest could have imagined.

Don had to make some adjustments.

He first replaced Arteta with Albertini, using the experience of the veteran to stabilize the midfield, and then he brought on Allen; Lennon replaces Ashley; Young, continue to strengthen the wing attack.

The two sides were deadlocked on the pitch and it looked like Newcastle had a chance to equalise, but it was in George; Thanks to the efforts of defenders such as Wood, Pepe, Piquee and Edwin van der Sar, the score remained 1-0.

Starting with the substitution of Albertini, assistant coach David; Chris Rac called all the players on the bench out to warm up, and Eastwood was no exception.

Donn in the dugout looked at his watch, and the game had been played for 70 minutes, with 20 minutes left until the game went into the final minute of injury time.

"David, call the gypsies back."

Assistant coach Chris Lak didn't expect this decision, he was a little surprised and didn't get up immediately until Don repeated it.

"Huh? Yes...... Good. ”

Krislak got up and walked towards the warm-up area of the players, he didn't yell as loudly as he usually did, and then gestured to the warm-up players to come back. Instead, he walked up straight up and grabbed Eastwood.

It wasn't the TV footage that first spotted the scene, but the fans watching the game at the City Stadium. One of them screamed.

Then the TV camera cut to the Forest's fans watching the game in front of the TV - the team's assistant coach David; Chris Rac was pulling Eastwood down and saying something.

※※※

"Play?!" Eastwood was a little surprised, he didn't expect to get his chance to play so soon, he thought that today's game was just for him to get some sense of the game.

Chrislak nodded. "Tony told you to go back."

Eastwood hurried to the dugout.

Done, who was bending down to get the tactical board, saw Eastwood running back and stood up with a smile: "Haven't you warmed up enough?" Don't rush, don't rush......"

"Do you want me to play, chief?" Eastwood asked with a breathless breath.

Donn nodded: "That's right, we need to make some changes to upset the balance on the field. I think it's a good idea to replace you. What do you think, Freddie? ”

Eastwood was stunned for a moment, then nodded heavily, "I agree with you, chief!" ”

Don laughed, looked down at the tactical board in his hand, and threw it out, then he pulled Eastwood over, and the two stood on the sidelines, both looking at the pitch.

"Freddy, though I haven't heard that sound yet. But I think at this moment, there will be a lot of people who will question my decision to let a player who has just recovered from a knee injury play at a time when this situation is not good. What do you think? ”

"They're wrong."

"Why?"

"Because you've put me on the pitch at this time, sir. If the team is leading by a big margin now and you let me play, then it will prove that they are right. ”

"Isn't that good, play lightly, slowly get into the rhythm ......of the game, and recover step by step."

"But then they will think Freddie; Eastwood is already a waste that can only play in garbage time. Even if I tried to tell them I wasn't, there was no evidence. ”

Donn turned his head to look at Eastwood, and the gypsy looked intently at the pitch.

"I know what the reporters who gathered around me before the game were thinking, and I didn't want them to do it. ......"If you look at me with that kind of sympathy, I think I'll be retiring the next day, and it's no big deal, just go back and sell used cars with my dad, and I'm used to living in station wagons." But thank you, no. ”

Don opened his mouth, wanting to say something but didn't know what to say, and finally he realized that he didn't need to say anything.

He patted Eastwood on the back, pointed to the pitch and said, "See what we're doing now?" The two sides are entangled, and we can't get rid of them. ”

Eastwood pouted, "That's bad. ”

"When you go up, get as close to the opponent's goal as you can without being noticed, and then look for opportunities......" Donn's hand pointing to the pitch clenched into a fist and smashed it hard, "Give me a nice hand!" ”

※※※

For a throw-in, the fourth official held up a substitution sign. No. 9 Niklas; Under Bendtner, No. 11 Freddy; Eastwood on!

Huge cheers and applause erupted from the stands at the City Stadium.

The live radio shouted, "Let's welcome Freddy, the gypsy kid who has been out for ten months due to injury......" The announcer dragged a long note.

The fans tacitly replied loudly: "Eastwood——!! ”

Bendtner came off the pitch and high-fived Eastwood hard: "Go them, Freddy!" ”

Eastwood nodded and ran onto the field.

After clapping with Bendtner, who was off the court, Donn looked up at the stands, and he spun around. Everyone is standing and applauding Eastwood's return, but how many of these people still have the same expectations for Eastwood as before?

In the past, when the Gypsies came out, it meant scoring goals, and everyone always wanted to see this smiling kid on the pitch.

What now?

It's good to be back, it's a miracle to be back on the field!

Don heard something like that.

He thought again of what Eastwood had said to himself.

These people may not have acted out of malice, but the applause of such charity was even harsher.

※※※

Eastwood ran onto the pitch and his teammates came running over to give him a high-five.

"Welcome back!" This is what everyone says the most.

When it was Wood's turn, he didn't say anything, just reached out and slapped Eastwood hard in the palm of the hand, and the gypsy didn't dodge.

"Smack!" A bang.

※※※

"I didn't expect Tony; Coach Donn really got the gypsies on the field. Mortenson said this, glancing at Laurentian next to him.

Lawrenson was silent and didn't speak, just kept stroking his hand over his bare lips.

Seeing that Lawrenson didn't answer, Mortensen had no choice but to continue the topic by himself: "This is his last substitution, and this is also a gambling ......"

※※※

'Eastwood received the ball from Albertini and he turned his back to the goal, but he passed the ball again and didn't seem to dare to make a move. The shadow of his knee injury still hangs over him......"

"Well, as I said, it's impossible for a player with a serious knee injury to play like he used to." When Laurentian finally spoke, he breathed a sigh of relief that Eastwood was performing as he expected.

Ten minutes passed, and the game entered the final ten minutes. Eastwood's entry did not change anything, the two sides continued to entangle, and Newcastle looked to have a chance but were still unable to equalise. And if the game ends with this scoreline, it will be a good result for Donn's team. But for the other person, it's a failure.

In the 82nd minute, Eastwood was pushing down a Newcastle player when he was dribbling the ball on the edge of the box to seek an opportunity. He caused a small mess, with the Forest players surrounding the fouling player and glaring at him, while the Newcastle players were clearly unwilling to allow themselves to be bullied, and the two sides were truly "entangled" this time. The huge boos at the City Stadium contributed to the conflict, but Eastwood, the cause of the conflict, did not get involved, but pulled Gareth, who was about to come up to take the free-kick; Bel.

"I'll kick this ball." He said to Little Bell.

"But ......" Bale hesitated, and the manager said that he had to kick a free kick that could directly threaten the opposition goal.

"Let me do it! Bel! Eastwood accentuated.

Bale looked at the vicious Eastwood and let go of the football.

Eastwood gave Bell a smile: "Thank you. ”

In the crowd of the clashes, George wore the captain's armband; Wood was in the innermost and the referee was showing him a yellow card. He and the foul player each received a yellow card.

If it weren't for Albertinira's speed, it is estimated that his right hand pliers would have been pinched directly on the neck of the opposing player.

It wasn't a yellow card that could be solved.

When both sides of the conflict dispersed, those who lined up the wall went to the wall, and those who interfered with the wall went to interfere with the wall, everyone realized that the person standing in front of the football was not the familiar Gareth; Bell, but Freddie; Eastwood.

Everyone's first reaction when they saw this scene was "stunned". Has anyone seen Eastwood take a direct free-kick in a game?

It seems rare......

Donn got up from the dugout, but instead of moving forward to the sidelines, he just stood in front of his seat, and even blocked a little view of assistant coach Chris Lack.

'Eastwood stood in front of the ball and it looked like he was the one who kicked it. This...... It's unthinkable. Mortenson said that, and he didn't know what to say. He doesn't have any data on Eastwood's free-kick at hand.

※※※

In front of him was a five-man wall lined up by Newcastlemen, with Eastwood standing behind the football, alone with him alone, and no one to cover him for a fake shot or run.

The referee saw that the wall was lined up and the distance was up to the mark, so he stepped back and blew the whistle.

Eastwood runs, shoots with his right foot!

The knee that has undergone three surgeries drives the calf to kick a curling ball.

The ball went around Newcastle's wall and then drilled into the goal with precision!

Goalkeeper Given's face to this goal was unresponsive!

※※※

“gooooal！ gooooal！！ goooooal！！！ Freddy; Eastwood!! ”

The city stadium made a loud "boom", like a thunderclap.

Don raised his arms and clenched his fists tightly.

Right next to Eastwood, the scorer, Albertini was the first to rush forward, hugging Eastwood and lifting him up.

In the commentary seat, Laurentian was completely silent, only Mortenson yelled into the microphone: "...... It was his first game back on the pitch after 10 months, a goal! It's perfect! It's perfect! I don't know how to describe this moment, but he surprised all of us! ”

Eastwood broke free of the old captain and threw his fist into the sky and roared loudly.

Can't go back in time? Joke! Why should I go back in time? I used to be just a used car salesman with a broken leg and had a good time playing football on amateur courts...... Why the would I want to go back to a time like that?!

Just come back?

Legendary goalscorers are going to score goals, lots and lots of goals!

(To be continued)