Lewis McGugan says Chris Wood is "what Nottingham Forest need" in their bid to stay in the Premier League.
Wood scored a crucial equaliser against Manchester City at the City Ground but has otherwise left many fans underwhelmed with his performances in six appearances since joining on loan from Newcastle United.
Speaking on the Garibaldi Red podcast, McGugan says Wood gives Forest a physical presence upfront in the absence of injured striker Taiwo Awonyi, highlighting his part in the team's first equaliser against Everton on Sunday.
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"Listen, he's had a great career," he said. "He's not had the career that he's had if he doesn't offer something. He's different to what they've had before. Forest need a face to lead the line and Chris Wood is a good option for that.
"He was part of the build up for the first goal. He's going to do ugly work and let Morgan (Gibbs-White) find space in pockets, to let Brennan (Johnson) influence games. He's not going to be this striker that is flicks and turning people. He's an old school striker.
"With games coming up and the season on the line he's what Forest need."
Fellow podcast guest, Reds fan Michael Temple, feels Wood has to offer more in coming games as he expressed sympathy with Sam Surridge, who has only been on the pitch for 36 minutes since Wood joined, scoring his only league goal against Bournemouth.
"I don't think Wood will get five more games if his production is still at this level. I don't think he was involved enough. I'm learning more about what he is," he said.
"He doesn't look to take many touches and his touch is better than I thought. His lay off to Gibbs-White was an example of that. He's winning more headers and is fitter than when he was getting up to speed, but he can't be to the detriment of Gibbs-White.
"If Gibbs-White is having to start on the left and get as little possession as he had in the first half, than it is to the detriment of him. I still don't think we've seen the best of him.
"I think there's more to come from him but if he keeps putting in that kind of performance there will at least be a debate about his place. I feel increasingly for Sam Surridge, who has done so little wrong for us.
"We've perhaps as a club jumped on what he can't do rather than what he can. Chris Wood, since he came in, has had us hanging on to what he can do rather than what he can't. To repay that faith we need to involve him more.
"I'm sure he'll score in games between now and the end of the season. They might be fox in the box crosses like against Man City rather than him heading in deep crosses."
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