Blackburn boss Mowbray expects Mahoney to join Forest

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray is resigned to losing young winger Connor Mahoney and believes he will secure a move to Nottingham Forest.

The 20-year-old is out-of-contract at the club after making 18 appearances in the Championship last season.

He was a bright spark in a terrible Rovers campaign that saw them battle against relegation for long spells and finally succumb to the drop, and League One football, on the final day of the season.

Speaking to Radio Lancashire, Mowbray said: “Let’s hope he [Mahoney] plays a lot of football and becomes a star and helps Forest get to the Premier League.

“That’s where I hear the rumours might be, but let’s wait and see.”

While Mahoney could be on his way out of Blackburn, new signing Peter Whittingham has been talking about his move to the club after 10 successful years at Cardiff City, and how he believes the fans can be vital in League One.

After arriving on a two-year deal on Wednesday, the experienced midfielder told the club website: “It’s massively important (to have the fans right behind the team).”

“It can give you that 5-10% that you need to win games. It’s going to be huge for us and for them, we all just need to muck in together and get results.”