Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams has praised his former team, Liverpool, after Tuesday's 1-1 draw between the two sides. Chris Wood put Forest ahead early in the first half before Diogo Jota's second-half equaliser saw the points shared at the City Ground.

The result keeps Arne Slot's team six points clear at the top of the Premier League table before Arsenal's clash at home to Tottenham on Wednesday evening. Liverpool also have a game in hand over all their title rivals with the postponed Merseyside derby set to be played on February 12.

And Williams has acknowledged Liverpool's quality in a post on social media platform Instagram as he called the Reds a 'top side' in a simple two-word verdict of Tuesday night's opponents. The defender departed Anfield in July 2022 after completing a £17million move to a then newly-promoted Forest team under former Reds academy coach Steve Cooper.

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"Good battle against a top side," he said alongside a shaking hands emoji with a picture of him celebrating Forest's goal on Tuesday. Williams played the full 90 minutes at left-back for Nuno Espirito Santo's team against the Reds.

Williams issued an emotional message when news of his Liverpool departure was confirmed two and a half years ago. The full-back made 33 appearances in total for the Reds.

"15 years at this special club, thank you for everything Liverpool," he said. "it’s been an honour to play for this club and to play under Jurgen Klopp.

"But I’ve now decided to take up a new challenge. I wish all the team and the staff the best of luck for the future and will always continue to support the club. Thank you and never forget YNWA!!!"