Boss Steve Cooper says he would have “no hesitation” calling upon some of Nottingham Forest’s academy players if needed during the remaining games.
Under-18s forward Dale Taylor travelled with the first-team squad to Fulham on Tuesday night. He was not included in the matchday 18, but, following injuries to Keinan Davis and Lewis Grabban, Cooper was keen to have an extra attacking option on standby.
The likes of Under-23s duo Oli Hammond and Ateef Konate have been involved earlier in the season under Cooper, while a group of academy players regularly train with the senior side. And as injury issues bite in the closing stages of the campaign, the Forest head coach says he won’t rule out giving youngsters a chance.
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Rivalry stoked
Bournemouth boss Scott Parker says he believes "one million percent" his team can beat Nottingham Forest in next week’s showdown at the Vitality Stadium.
The Reds have chased down the Cherries in the race for second spot. The gap between the two was 18 points shortly after Steve Cooper took charge at the City Ground. It is now down to just three.
Both sides have three games to play and meet each other on the south coast next Tuesday night. Forest have won six of their last seven, and will be aiming to sign off on a high when they host Swansea City in their final home match of the regular season on Saturday.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have won just one of their last six fixtures, picking up four draws - including coming from 3-0 down to claim a point against the Swans in midweek. They travel to Blackburn Rovers this weekend. And ahead of that game, Parker has tried to rally his troops.
Sterling support
It’s not just at games where Steve Cooper’s players have felt the support from Nottingham Forest fans.
Around the city, and even in one of the busiest train stations in the country, the Reds have been boosted by the backing they are receiving as they push for promotion. And defender Scott McKenna says that can make a difference in their final three games of the regular season.
Forest fan Simon Crosby posted on social media about bumping into McKenna at St Pancras station in London, following Tuesday night’s victory at Fulham. He wrote: “He spotted my Forest polo shirt and said Hello.. All I could do was shake his hand and say ‘thank you for being magnificent’. #youllneverbeatmckenna #nffc.”
That sentiment was appreciated by the man himself. The centre-back says Reds supporters can help make the difference, especially at this crucial stage of the campaign.
Transfer talk
Interest is said to be mounting in Nottingham Forest target Jed Wallace ahead of the summer transfer window, with Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion linked with a move.
The Reds were rebuffed in their attempts to sign the Millwall winger in January. And it looks like there could be a fight for his signature come the end of this season.
Wallace is coming towards the end of his contract in south London and will soon become a free agent. He is sure to have no shortage of suitors, with Forest likely to face competition to sign him should they revisit their interest.
Besiktas, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough have previously been linked with the 28-year-old. And now the Express & Star report the Baggies “will enter the race” to sign the wide man if he decides to leave The Den, with boss Steve Bruce said to be “a big fan”.
