Nottingham Forest legend Garry Birtles has given his verdict on the Reds' summer transfer business when it comes to strikers.
One of the club's all time great front men, Birtles discussed Steve Cooper's attacking options on the latest Garibaldi Red Podcast. Birtles also broke down the 1-0 win over West Ham United and you can listen to the full episode here.
Taiwo Awoniyi got the only goal with Dean Henderson saving a penalty as Forest picked up their first Premier League points since 1999.
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What do you make of the transfer business so far?
"I was worried about a lack of strikers, I really was. Davis had gone. Grabban's gone and Sam (Surridge) had been injured and had a hernia operation. One thing you need in the Premier League is someone who will score you goals.
"The people we're interested in, Maupay, I'm impressed with. He's got quality at this level. Strikers are beholden on supply. The greatest ones can create something out of nothing but otherwise you need that supply.
"I'm delighted with the way Steve Cooper is bringing in strikers. I always look at Norwich and how they play with Teemu Pukki up front but when they're losing they take him off. Why not play two up front?
"That baffles me when you need to win a game. Strikers are the most important piece of the jigsaw for me in the Premier League."
What did you make of Awoniyi?
"His willingness to run into different areas, to hold the ball up, to be a bit niggly with his marker was good.
"He's a bit raw but this is the Premier League. It's a difficult League. Remember (Dennis) Bergkamp and (Thierry) Henry came here and didn't nail it in their first season. You have to give him time as with any signing but I was quite impressed with what I saw.
"I look closely at strikers. When I played my first touch had to be good. I had to hold it up and bring people into play. I had to be a bit niggly with defenders. He did that really well."
Is there still a place for Surridge in the squad?
"You get your place in a team not by reputation, but what you do on a pitch. What he did last season was impressive. There are strikers in the Premier League who would be quite envious of the way he finished half a dozen goals last season. If he gets the chance he can still do that.
"He's a good player to have in the squad. He might not be first choice, but coming on his willingness and honesty means he can be an integral part of the squad if he does stay."
Who should start in the Forest attack? Have your say in the comments section below
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