By Nottingham Forest FC

Archie Whitehall and Zach Abbott highlighted the importance of the whole squad after Nottingham Forest’s B Team secured their place in the final of the Premier League International Cup after a 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao.

The tie at The City Ground went the distance after a goalless 90 minutes, but extra time goals from Whitehall and Manni Norkett book the young Reds’ place in the final of the competition.

Speaking after the semi-final success Abbott started with the progress the players have made in recent years, and the importance of the squad all playing their part in the team’s journey.

“We were in the final of the FA Youth Cup a few years ago now, so we want to go and achieve more and win a trophy.

“The lads are really happy, we’re really looking forward to the next one and we can’t wait for more.

“We said the players that finish the match are going to be just as important as the starters tonight, and that’s been the thing through the season.

“Everyone is always giving their all. It was a great team performance, but now we have one more step.

Whitehall opened the scoring for the Reds in extra time and spoke of his pride in his goal and the team’s display.

“It was an unbelievable moment, I said to the lads on the bench ‘I need one shot to get my opportunity to score’ and I’ve done that.

“I’m just happy for the boys, they dug in the whole game and fought. It’s a good feeling.

“We’re all as a unit and we’ve really shown that on the pitch and off the pitch in the dressing room, we’re all together.

“The lads are all fighting for each other to get the points in the league and wins.