Good morning, Reds fans! Here are your latest Nottingham Forest headlines after last night's friendly against Stoke City.
Nottingham Forest player ratings as Steve Cooper uses 22 players in defeat to Stoke City
An own goal from Steve Cook and a scrambled finish from Tyrese Campbell saw Nottingham Forest lose 2-1 to Stoke City at Loughborough University Stadium on Friday evening.
The match, Forest's first since pausing for the World Cup three weeks ago, had a pre-season feel to it.
It felt very much like a fitness exercise for Steve Cooper's men, who were looking to get through the game cautiously ahead of their trip to Greece.
Why Jesse Lingard missed Nottingham Forest vs Stoke City friendly
Nottingham Forest forward Jesse Lingard did not feature in Friday evening's friendly against Stoke City.
The two teams met at the Loughborough University Stadium last night, in what was the first of four friendlies for Forest ahead of their return to competitive football.
One notable absentee in the Forest squad for the match was Jesse Lingard, who did not travel and was not a part of the match day squad.
Scott McKenna prediction made as Nottingham Forest star shows Premier League quality
Scott McKenna has well and truly earned his spot on the shortlist for the Nottingham Forest Fans' Footballer of the Year award.
The Scottish international is one of four men in contention for the gong - alongside Ryan Yates, Brennan Johnson and Joe Worrall - who were picked out by NottinghamshireLive's Matt Davies. Michael Temple gave the rundown on each player on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast.
His bonafides are clear after being named man of the match in the play-off final and the club's Player of the Season following promotion to the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign. He played all but one game for the Reds last term, and has so far missed just one this season too.
Nottingham Forest transfers: Cody Gakpo problem, Gustavo Scarpa latest and a 'likely' exit
Nottingham Forest are assessing their options ahead of the January transfer window.
The Reds made 23 new signings in the summer following their return to the Premier League. A disappointing start to the season has seen Forest fight to climb out of the relegation zone, though.
However, prior to the World Cup break, Forest's players have improved as they continue to gel together after a summer of upheaval. Steve Cooper 's men are just one point adrift of safety and will be determined to have a positive start in the new year, having already been linked with reinforcements.
