JESSE IS DOING HIMSELF PROUD SAYS COOPER

STEVE COOPER is proud of the way Jesse Lingard has opened up about his struggles at Manchester United - and has praised his positive influence at Nottingham Forest.

- BRENDAN MCLOUGHLIN

Fit-again Lingard (left) is expected to feature against his former club tonight.

Speaking to the Diary of a CEO podcast, Lingard revealed how he drank regularly "to try and take the pain away" during the 2019-20 season when under fire from United fans and dealing with family issues including his mother's depression.

The forward says he chose to join Forest on a free transfer from Old Trafford last summer because they "showed the love".

Boss Cooper has hailed the player's attitude since his arrival and says he deserves huge credit for his honesty when speaking out.

He said: "We see a really positive guy that is a real good team-mate.