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GOING UP

BY MICHELLE WILSON

17:00 - 03 March 2003

Debutant Darren Huckerby today insisted Nottingham Forest's young team has
the ability to reach the Premiership.

For the fourth time in his career, Huckerby notched a debut-day goal for a
new club to earn Forest a point with a 1-1 draw in an under-par performance
at Watford. The result means the Reds have slipped to fifth in Division One
because Wolves' goal-difference is superior following their 4-0 victory over
Crystal Palace.

And the newcomer was impressed by the performances produced by
strike-partner Marlon Harewood, Andy Reid and Michael Dawson.

"I don't think I have played in a team that is so young," Huckerby said. "We
have some good young players.

"They have a lot of potential in young Reid, Michael Dawson and Marlon. They
are capable of going on and on.

"Marlon did superbly for the goal. I'm not surprised the keeper got out of
the way!

"He has got everything you need to be a top player. He's quick, strong and
good in the air. There are not many people who have all that and he's going
to do well in the future.

"I am only 26 myself and I am one of the older ones.

"It is a Premiership set-up. I have been very surprised because there are
dieticians and fitness coaches and everything is catered for the players.

"It's a big club and there's no doubt it should be in the top league.

"My aim is to get my home-town club into the Premiership."

His 66th-minute equaliser arrived nine years to the day since the striker
made his first appearance for Lincoln City and netted in a 2-1 win at
Shrewsbury.

Huckerby, who has two years remaining on his contract at Manchester City at
the end of the season, said he did not know what his future held.

He added: "I would love to play for my home-town club but there are other
issues with the money situation. We will wait until the end of the season."

Forest manager Paul Hart criticised his team's opening 45 minutes at
Vicarage Road.

"We sat back. We started sloppily and we were waiting for things to happen,"
he admitted.

"We were not on the front foot. The minute we got in at half-time, we tried
to put that right.

"We didn't do the basics; you have to put your foot in and stand your
ground.

"We were much better in the second half. I think it looked like there was
only going to be one winner once we scored the goal.

"We were unlucky because we hit the crossbar and there were a number of
chances which opened up with headers."