Published: 17:30 EDT, 4 September 2024 | Updated: 18:40 EDT, 4 September 2024

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Once too nervous to introduce himself to Wayne Rooney, Morgan Gibbs-White this week hopes to realise a lifelong ambition by walking the same path as his idol.

Gibbs-White's motto is, 'Why save the good stuff for later?' - words tattooed on his wrist - but he has certainly had to bide his time in this case.

Seven years after helping England win the Under 17 World Cup and six after making his Premier League debut, the midfielder has finally reached the senior squad and - barring injury - should make his debut during the forthcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

The 24-year-old has been close before. Steve Cooper was coach of that Under 17 team and went on to sign Gibbs-White twice, first on loan at Swansea from Wolves and then for PS25million at Forest. Cooper never hid his admiration for Gibbs-White, to the extent that when he joined Forest, the Welshman took calls from former colleagues at the FA, saying: 'I see you've signed your man.'

The price tag, which could rise to PS42.5m, raised eyebrows at the time but Cooper deserves huge credit for turning him so quickly from an unfulfilled talent into a proven Premier League footballer.

Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White has finally earned his first call-up to England's senior squad

]]]]>]]>Cooper's positive reports to England staff undoubtedly helped Gibbs-White's cause. During one session with the Under 21s at St George's Park, the youngster was invited to train with the senior squad and made a strong impression.

With Gareth Southgate looking towards Euro 2024, he and assistant Steve Holland travelled to the City Ground to watch Gibbs-White in Forest's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United in January 2023.

As Mail Sport revealed, Holland then visited the club's base just outside the city the following day and, though Gibbs-White did not train, the pair held lengthy talks. The message was clear: Keep doing what you're doing. You're not far away.

Gibbs-White never did make it into Southgate's squad, even though he helped England win another trophy - this time the European Championship at Under 21 level in the summer of 2023.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that the call has come as Gibbs-White has matured greatly off the field. His football mentality - train hard, play hard, demand more from your team-mates, overcome setbacks - is at the elite level but now his manner has developed impressively.

Gibbs-White's motto is, 'Why save the good stuff for later?' - words tattooed on his wrist

At Wolves and during his early days at Forest, Mail Sport understands that Gibbs-White could be charming on some days, less so on others.

In the last year, Gibbs-White has turned from boy to man. It is thought he has grasped the idea fully that a Premier League footballer's job is not restricted to training and matches.

There are other responsibilities, too, and Forest staff have been delighted by Gibbs-White's progress in that respect. His partner, Britney De Villiers, gave birth to the couple's first child, son Greyson, last November.

It is believed Newcastle and Aston Villa made tentative enquiries about Gibbs-White this summer but he is in his element at Forest. Not only is he the main man in the first team, but coaches speak glowingly about how Gibbs-White takes time to advise the club's academy players.

Talks are expected to progress this season over a new contract that would elevate Gibbs-White to the top of Forest's pay scale, with the club keen to tie down their star man.

In football, things can change in a heartbeat. At present, though, Gibbs-White has no wish to move on. The family recently moved into a new home in the Nottingham area and Gibbs-White feels loved by everyone at the club.

Gibbs-White is in his element at Forest and in the last year, he has turned from a boy into a man

Staying level-headed will be important now, especially if he performs well for England. He should feel instantly at home. Angel Gomes, the Lille midfielder, has also earned his first call-up and is close friends with Gibbs-White from their time in the junior ranks.

Gibbs-White has been advised to keep a close eye on the way England stars behave, particularly Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. The trio conduct themselves as impressively off the pitch as on it and if Gibbs-White cracks that, England will have some player.

He is happiest as a No 10, operating just behind a centre forward, and has told friends how much he also enjoys playing in a slightly deeper midfield role.

Never afraid to try the risky pass, Gibbs-White is conscious that in international football, keeping the ball is more important than ever.

'He has that football intelligence,' says a coach from his early days. 'He could wear No 10, No 8, No 4. If you asked him to play at right back, he could do that too because he understands the game.'

Should Gibbs-White handle himself well off the pitch, England will have some player

As a Manchester United fan growing up in Staffordshire, Gibbs-White tried to copy Rooney on weekend mornings before heading home with his father, amateur footballer Kirk White, to watch him on television.

'He was in charge of Derby when I was on loan at Sheffield United but when we played them, I was a bit nervous to approach him.' Gibbs-White told Mail Sport in an interview in 2023. 'I idolised him so to see him in the flesh it was "Woah".'

Not many players will eclipse Rooney but when Gibbs-White meets his hero again, he should be happy to look him in the eye.

Nottingham ForestMorgan Gibbs-White