Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has expressed his disappointment at the likelihood he will be without goalkeeper Dean Henderson for their Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United later this month.
Henderson, who joined Forest on a season-long loan deal from United back in July, was the hero of the hour on Wednesday evening, saving two penalties to help the City Ground side beat Wolves 4-3 on spot-kicks and progress to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 1992. The contest had ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, ahead of Henderson denying both Ruben Neves and Joe Hodge from the spot.
However, the goalkeeper, whose long-term future at Old Trafford remains up for debate, will not be allowed to play any part in the semi-final against United. EFL rules state that no player can play against their parent club, unless they are granted written permission.
READ MORE: How Henderson can still play for Forest vs United in Carabao Cup
Rule 6.3 states: ''Players registered on a temporary basis will not be eligible to play unless the Club holding his full registration gives its written consent (also subject to any restrictions on the number of loan players prescribed by applicable Premier League Rules or League Regulations).''
Although United could grant Henderson permission to feature, it does seem unlikely. And for Forest boss Cooper, the news that he is almost certain to be without his first-choice shot-stopper put a "dampener" on a memorable evening.
"I have only just thought of that," said Cooper, speaking in his post-match press conference, as quoted by the Nottingham Post. "It is frustrating, after seeing the night he has had. He was excellent in the penalty shootout, but he was more than good in the game.
"You've got me on the spot there. I've only just thought about that. It's unfortunate.
"He's part of our group. He is so invested in the group and how we work, what we're trying to accelerate, in terms of what we want to become - because it is acceleration, with a new group having been put together. And to do that, you need a really good goalkeeper.
"Not only is he committing as a goalkeeper, he is really buying into being in the city and the greater good of the club. It has put a dampener on it for me tonight."
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