Having Lewis Grabban back has given Nottingham Forest a lift at a crucial time, as they head into a decisive final nine-match run-in.
Boss Steve Cooper was pleased to see the front man get a good reception when he made his return from a lengthy lay-off on Saturday. But he remained coy over whether Grabban is ready to start games, as the Reds prepare to host Coventry City on Wednesday night.
The 34-year-old was sidelined for two months after suffering an ankle injury against Cardiff City at the end of January. He came off the bench in the 4-1 thumping of Blackpool at the weekend, though, and looked as though he had never been away.
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Striker impressing
Sam Surridge is pushing for his first league start as he takes every opportunity to catch the eye of Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.
The January signing has proved to be clinical in front of goal when presented with a chance. He made it three in his last five run-outs when he came off the bench to coolly finish a delightful Scott McKenna pass at Blackpool on Saturday.
The striker has yet to start a game for the Reds in the league, however, with his only inclusion in the first XI so far coming against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup. And with Lewis Grabban back from injury, the competition for a place in the team has only got tougher, as Aston Villa loanee Keinan Davis also continues to impress.
“Fair play to him, the chances he’s been given so far, he’s really taken,” Cooper said of Surridge. “He hasn’t come here to start on the bench, but at the same time, he’s maybe accepted up to now that that’s how it’s been.
Goalkeeper stance
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper admits he has been left with an “awkward decision” over who should play in goal for the remaining nine games of the season.
Brice Samba had previously been first-choice between the posts, until a three-match suspension paved the way for Ethan Horvath to stake his claim for the spot. And the latter had held down his place for the last seven games prior to the international break.
A short turnaround period between being on duty with the USA and linking back up with the Reds, along with the effects of jet-lag, saw Horvath on the bench at Blackpool on Saturday, however. And Samba made some good saves as he took his opportunity to impress again, in an emphatic 4-1 win for the visitors.
Asked if he saw the situation as having a clear No.1 and No.2, Cooper told NottinghamshireLive: “It’s an interesting situation now, I won’t dodge that one. I think you’ve just got to take Saturday in isolation.
Transfer talk
Nottingham Forest are one of three clubs reportedly eyeing a potential loan move for Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson when the summer transfer window opens.
The 19-year-old is currently on loan with League Two side Bristol Rovers where he has caught the eye with his performances in recent weeks. After joining on a temporary basis in January, the attacking midfielder has scored three goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances for the club.
According to the Sunday Mirror, his performances have prompted interest from three Championship clubs, including Forest. Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End are the other clubs said to be eyeing a potential summer deal.
Forest are likely to want to add to their attacking areas once the summer comes around with attacking midfield one of the areas where the squad is light. Brennan Johnson is the only recognised player in Steve Cooper ’s squad who can play the position.
