Cafu has set the perfect example for those Nottingham Forest players struggling for game time, according to boss Steve Cooper.
Injuries to Steve Cook and Max Lowe may open the door for others to get opportunities in the next few weeks, as Cooper looks to make the most of his squad in the Championship run-in.
Both Cook (ankle) and Lowe (groin) are expected to be sidelined for six weeks, having been forced off during Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Reading.
Cafu came on for the latter just before half-time at the City Ground, for only his 13th appearance of the season - and he made the most of his time on the pitch.
“There’s always a chance for other players. You look at Cafu at the weekend - he hasn’t featured too much lately, but he came on and his physical outputs were excellent,” said Cooper.
“He contributed to the win in a good way. And that’s because he’s a true professional, he gets his head down.
“If there are times when he’s been frustrated at not playing - and I’m sure there have been - he’s not shown it, certainly not to his teammates.
“I said in our game review meeting this morning, what a brilliant example of how to be when you’re not in the team.
“He showed great determination and made sure he was ready when called upon. He’s a good example to share with all of the players.”
The Portuguese helped set up Sam Surridge’s goal against the Royals, playing a delightful pass to Xande Silva, who crossed for the striker to finish.
And he celebrated with the same enthusiasm he always does when Forest score - even if he hasn’t always been on the pitch at the time.
“He’s a very good technical player, he’s athletic and he’s powerful. He handles the ball really well, and he has good experience,” said Cooper.
“He hasn’t done anything wrong, it’s just lads who play in his position have been playing well.
“I wouldn’t say he’s accepted that, because you shouldn’t accept it. I wouldn’t want anyone who’s not in the team accepting the situation, because that’s not the right mentality.
“But he’s got on with it and said to himself, ‘when I’m called on, I’ll be ready’. And he was.
“He cares. He cares about the club and he cares about the team. And he’s a winner.
“And he likes to celebrate when we score!
“He’s good in the dressing room before games as well, he’s shouting and getting the boys going. He’s enthusiastic and he’ll encourage. He’s been good.”
