Tuesday 21 April 2015 15:18, UK
Dougie Freedman insists Dimitar Evtimov has a bright future at Nottingham Forest - but feels the time is not right to blood the goalkeeper.
The Reds boss has vowed to give the club's young players their chance, as he plans for the future at the City Ground after signing a two-year contract extension.
The likes of Oliver Burke and Tyler Walker have already been given first-team opportunities under the Scot.
There have been calls from Forest fans for Evtimov to start the remaining two Championship matches, following Karl Darlow's dip in form.
But Freedman believes timing is key when deciding if a player is ready to make the step up.
Asked if Evtimov, 21, would be given a chance before the end of the season, Freedman told the Nottingham Post: "I don't think that way. Everyone will get a chance when they show the right form.
"Dimi has been fantastic in training and I have seen him in Under-21 games.
"He is definitely one for the future. In the short term it is unlikely, however. I understand the question and it is great we do have young players coming through. But I have said all along that I will play young players when they are ready.
"I have learned a lot in the past when it comes to putting a young player in, when they are not ready. You can lose them for a couple of months.
"He (Evtimov) is not quite ready to be thrown in at the deep end. But he is somebody that I would not be afraid to call upon in the future.
"We have some fantastic young keepers at this place. Dimi is very much in my plans and he has a fantastic attitude. He is in my thoughts. But in the short term, he is not quite ready to start a game for us."
Evtimov gained some valuable first-team experience this season during a loan spell at Mansfield where he made 11 appearances for the League Two club.
