\n<\/p>\n
Kelly:<\/b> You’ve become an England international as well… that got a smile straight away! What has that been like for you? And has it given you a new level of confidence? Does it change the way you feel on the pitch?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> Yeah, definitely. I think that’s maybe also played a part in feeling like a leader, you know? Bringing that confidence in my voice. And just the belief in me – that people recognise that I’m the player that I thought I was. I’ve always believed in myself, but when you’ve got the backing of other people, it really helps.<\/p>\n
Kelly:<\/b> Talk to me about Thomas Tuchel – when you got that first call-up. I imagine that’s every little boy’s dream?<\/p>\n
Elliot: <\/b>Yeah, it is. We had Crystal Palace away and I was just sat in the changing room getting ready for the game and a message came through… ‘TT’. And he was like: ‘Can I see you after the game?’ <\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>Hold on, you knew who ‘TT’ was straight away, though?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> Well I just had a bit of a guess, yeah, because there was a bit of talk around at the time and then it said: ‘Can I see you after the game?’ So straight away my nerves were going before the game. I just knew I had to perform and then he told me the news after the game so I was buzzing!<\/p>\n
Kelly:<\/b> It looks like he’s put a lot of faith in you and he’s obviously a big fan because straight away it helped with your performances, but it feels like a lot of people are saying now that not only are you going to be in the squad, but you’ll be one of the first names on the teamsheet. How does that feel?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> It’s good – yeah, he’s a top coach. He’s really helped me going in the group and just coaching me in that role. I hadn’t played it too much before and then now I’ve dropped into the six a little bit more. He’s helped me understand the game and coached me.<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>What is your best position? Or what position do you enjoy the most?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> Erm\u2026<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>You’re going to be careful here, aren’t you? Because you’re not going to want to upset any managers!<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> I used to be an attacker, to be honest. I used to be a number 10 or a winger. And then I’ve slowly just dropped back.<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>You’re saying that as if you didn’t want to!<\/p>\n
Elliot: <\/b>I really don’t care, to be honest. Six or eight, I’d say – you know, getting on the ball, finding the attacking players and getting them the ball early in the pockets and letting them do their stuff. And then obviously when I play eight I’ve got more of an opportunity to shoot and score so I really like both.<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>So, a lot of people will think of you as a defensive midfielder, but actually you still want to score goals? You’ve mentioned scoring goals a few times during this chat!<\/p>\n
Elliot: <\/b>Yeah, definitely. It’s the hardest thing in football isn’t it? So it’s something I would love to do more.<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>What do you think has changed for Nottingham Forest from last season to this season – because you’ve spoken about trying to maintain your levels, but you haven’t quite reached the heights after a phenomenal campaign last year?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> It’s tough to put a finger on what has changed. We were really good defensively last season – as a unit we had clean sheets and stuff… set-pieces and things. Maybe we’ve lacked in that department a little bit this season. Maybe teams have understood what we were doing last season and realised the way we played. So now we have to evolve our game a little bit and change. But, yeah, we’re all just doing what the manager asks.<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>Bringing it back to yourself, what’s the best match you’ve ever played in? Or perhaps one you wish you could relive?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> I really enjoyed the semi-final against Man City last season. I really enjoyed that one. Obviously we didn’t win but playing at Wembley was really special. And I’d probably say my England debut. I loved that, you know! Coming in from the start as well.<\/p>\n
Kelly:<\/b> What can you remember of it? Talk me through it…<\/p>\n
Elliot: <\/b>I was pretty nervous to be honest, as I think everyone would be. You’re in the warm-up and you’re thinking every pass needs to be good – and then your first few touches. I started well and it gave me that confidence. I just picture the pass and getting the ball – passing forward – being involved in a lot of stuff, which I quite like to do.<\/p>\n
Kelly:<\/b> In terms of everything you’ve achieved so far, what do you still want to achieve in football?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> I think we’re in the best league in the world so I would say just staying in the Premier League as long as I can and playing as many games. I’d love to win a major trophy with England too.<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>This summer maybe?<\/p>\n
Elliot: <\/b>Hope so!<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>Talk to me a little bit more about your life away from the pitch then. You’ve already mentioned that you’ve got two older brothers. What was that dynamic like, other than the fact that growing up there was obviously a lot of football involved?<\/p>\n
Elliot:<\/b> I loved it. Probably two of my best mates growing up. We’d do everything together – three brothers just always messing about and play-fighting – just carnage really.<\/p>\n
Kelly: <\/b>And your brothers of course – one of them is also in the public eye as well, but doing something different to yourself?<\/p>\n