Morgan Gibbs-White admits Nottingham Forest 'frustration' as red card controversy provides perfect example
Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off in the Reds' 2-2 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion
by Sarah Clapson · NottinghamshireLiveMorgan Gibbs-White says he has grown to understand why sacrifices sometimes need to be made for the good of the team as Nottingham Forest aim to progress this season.
The Reds ace admits he can get frustrated when he doesn’t see much of the ball against the likes of Manchester City. But he knows sticking to the game plan is more important.
The 24-year-old was sent off in Forest’s 2-2 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion last month. He says he can see why he was dismissed when a tackle on Joao Pedro earned him a second booking, but he feels it was an example of his fully-committed approach to the game.
"If I'm at 70 percent or 60 percent going into a game, I can't play like that," the England international told the BBC. "I have to be 150 percent all the time.
“I always have to be on it and I like the feeling of having control in a game. Sometimes when we're playing City or someone and having none of the ball I get frustrated, but that's when the control comes in and to understand what the manager wants from this moment."
Becoming a father has helped mellow Gibbs-White, however. His son Greyson was born last November.
"It's the best feeling in the world,” Gibbs-White said. “No feeling can describe it. It's the hardest thing in the world as well.
"It (life) has changed for the better, it's calmed me down and chilled me out. It's another purpose to do well in football and do well in life.
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"Ever since he's been with us, everything I do is for him. Every decision I make now I think twice about.
“Now he's getting to the age where he's got personality and is starting to express himself. He has this belly laugh going, I'm loving it."
On Thursday, Gibbs-White was called up to the Three Lions senior squad for the second time. He made his debut for his country against the Republic of Ireland last month and will hope to feature in Nations League games against Greece and Finland.
Before then, he will look to help Forest bounce back from their first Premier League defeat of the season. Gibbs-White was suspended last weekend when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side lost to Fulham, but he will be available again for Sunday’s clash at Chelsea (2pm kick-off).