TRURO City have today strengthened their squad with the loan signing of highly-rated Nottingham Forest forward Zyan Blake.

The 18-year-old has joined the Tinners from the Premier League club until January 1, 2027, and could make his debut in Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Cirencester Town.

Blake has come through the ranks at the City Ground and has regularly trained with Forest’s first-team squad.

The teenager has also featured for the club’s under-21 side and was named in Forest’s first-team squad for their UEFA Europa League meeting with FC Porto last season.

He will wear the number 11 shirt during his spell with the Cornish club.

City manager John Askey believes Blake can make an immediate impact and says the youngster has the ability to take on defenders and score goals.

“Zyan has a lot of ability and can go past a player,” said Askey. “He is quick, has a good shot on him, and has scored goals at youth and under-21 level. He can be a good impact player for us and if he does well, he will be looking to start games.”

Askey believes the move is also evidence of the progress being made at Truro City, with Premier League Forest trusting the club to develop one of their promising young players.

“This signing shows we are moving forward because if a club like Nottingham Forest allows players to come to us, it’s because they know the lad is going to get treated properly,” he said.

Blake is regarded highly by Forest despite his young age, and Askey believes his move to Cornwall could also help the teenager develop away from the pressure of his parent club.

“He is highly rated by Forest even though he is 18 and coming here will bring him out of his shell a bit too,” said Askey.