Hogg sees Perkins as a 'central player' after strong opening day display

Signed on a two-year deal from Forest last summer, the 22-year-old was described as a ‘central midfielder’ when he joined the club, but he often filled in at left wing-back for most of his 37 appearances in 2025/26.

However, Hogg saw Perkins play in midfield at Stockport County towards the end of last season and the majority of his pre-season action came in the same position, bar 45 minutes at left-back against Cambridge. He also started in the middle in Saturday’s Carabao Cup opener against Leicester.

“I think you could see in pre-season that’s where he played,” said Hogg. “Before I even came in, I saw him play against Stockport in one game last season and he played in the middle of the pitch.

“He can fill in on the left side of the pitch if needed but I see him as a central player. That’s not to say he won’t ever play in different positions but I think he’s a central player and he has done really well over the last three or four weeks.

“There’s a lot of development in him and I don’t know what his ceiling his. I don’t want to limit anyone but he comes in every day, he smiles and he works hard and does his best and I thought he played well at the weekend, as did lots of others.

“It’s a big season for him and I’m sure there will be highs and some lows and periods where he’s searching for form. He’s a professional and he’s got to get used to performing week in, week out.”