Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has urged Steve Cooper to concentrate on what is "important" amid speculation over his future.
The comments from Keown came after reports claimed Cooper was under consideration by at least two clubs in the Premier League ahead of next season. Speaking on talkSPORT, the 56-year-old insisted that talk about going to another club is all "premature discussion" and that Cooper has a job at hand.
"I think Steve Cooper needs to concentrate on what's important, and that's keeping Forest up," Keown said. "There's enough work to do this season.
READ MORE: Everton hit with penalty by the FA ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
READ MORE: Sean Dyche issues Dominic Calvert-Lewin update ahead of Nottingham Forest vs Everton
"Any talk of going to another club to take on something else is premature discussion. They've lost two of their last three games and after 12 games, they only had eight points so it's really difficult.
"After the World Cup, they've done alright. Nine games, 12 points. But now it's starting to slip a little bit again. It was unbelievable that they gave him a contract at that point.
"At that point I think they only had one win from the first six games of the season, so everyone was kind of bemused at why that happened. But it was a very good move.
"I think some loyalty will be apparent. I don't think Steve Cooper will be leaving Forest any time soon, and I feel it's just speculation."
What did you make of Keown's comments? Tell us below...
READ NEXT:
- Tottenham, Chelsea and Leeds receive response to Steve Cooper claim
- Nottingham Forest in Steve Cooper fight as 'at least two clubs' target manager
- Pundits disagree on Nottingham Forest vs Everton prediction
- 'Too much' - Paul Merson makes Nottingham Forest vs Everton prediction
- Chris Sutton makes brutal 'toothless' remark ahead of Nottingham Forest vs Everton