Blackburn Rovers 1-4 Nottingham Forest : Brennan Johnson double puts visitors into quarter-finals

An inspired performance from Brennan Johnson helped Nottingham Forest overcome Blackburn at Ewood Park to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Jesse Lingard’s deflected free-kick restored Forest’s advantage before a Taiwo Awoniyi strike made it three.

Johnson scored a second late on to complete an impressive display.

Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson made 11 changes from the team which beat Norwich City on Saturday, and the Championship promotions hunters – currently third in the second tier – struggled to contain Forest; and especially Johnson.

The forward, who played in all three of Wales’ matches in Qatar and who was one of three World Cup players picked to start for Forest, won the 12th-minute penalty by drawing a foul from Wharton before sending Ainsley Pears the wrong way from the spot.

Despite having 16 first-half shots Forest could not extend their lead, and were pegged back shortly before an interval when Wharton headed home a free-kick taken by younger brother Adam.

Steve Cooper’s Premier League side kept up their momentum after half-time however, and went back in front when Lingard’s free-kick took a double deflection before rolling past Pears.

Awoniyi then secured Forest’s progression by taking Lingard’s incisive pass, rolling away from Wharton and finishing calmly past Pears, who made several good saves to keep the score respectable.

Johnson wrapped up the win in stoppage time, striking low past Pears from just inside the box.

Victory ensures Forest a place in the EFL Cup quarter-final draw, which will take place on Thursday night.