Boss Steve Cooper has laid down a challenge for Nottingham Forest winger Joe Lolley as he makes his way back into the fold.
The 29-year-old hasn’t pulled on the Garibaldi since the end of November, when he came off the bench in the 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion for his 16th appearance of the season.
Since then, he has been sidelined through a combination of injury and illness, most recently suffering a recurrence of a tendon problem in his knee.
He has also had to deal with muscle compartment syndrome throughout his career, being particularly affected at the end of the 2019/20 campaign and the start of the following term.
Lolley was back on the bench in Sunday’s FA Cup triumph over Leicester City, though, with Cooper stressing the extent of the impact he has between now and May will be down to the player himself.
“It’s not for anyone to get him back to his best, it’s down to him,” the Reds head coach told NottinghamshireLive.
“Other people around him can support him, but in the end he’s got to do it himself. It’s his responsibility.
“He’s a good guy, Joe. I’m fond of him as a lad, and I have a good relationship with him.
“I know how talented he is, because I’ve seen it before my time here.
“He has had some injury issues. Some have lingered a little bit longer than what he would have liked. But he has to put that behind him and just look forward.
“He has to get himself to the level he needs to be at. He’ll get all the support in the world here, but in the end, he’s got to do it.
“He’s come back in training, and he’s looked really good. He’s building his fitness and his sharpness, as normal.
“It’s been good to have him back out there, and he’s trained well.
“Hopefully we can continue with that and he can offer us something between now and the end of the season - we’d love that.”
Lolley was crowned Forest’s player of the season in 2019, after a year which saw him hit 12 goals in 51 games - including one in that epic 5-5 draw at Aston Villa where he was outstanding.
He last found the net in October 2020, and had yet to fully hit his stride this term before being sidelined.
But Cooper is keen for the former Huddersfield Town man to seize his opportunity now he is back.
“Confidence, belief and mentality are key for everybody; it doesn’t matter who it is,” the Welshman added.
“But in the end, you’ve got to take responsibility for your own career. You’ve got to take responsibility yourself for the impact you want to have on the team, in the squad and in the game.
“That’s not just for Joe, that’s for everybody.
“But for Joe to get back contributing for the team, the most important person in that process is him.
“We’re happy he’s back. We really hope now he can grab hold of being back and try to force his way back into the mix.”
