Bournemouth boss lays down Nottingham Forest challenge as Steve Cooper discusses young talent

Boss Steve Cooper says he would have “no hesitation” calling upon some of Nottingham Forest’s academy players if needed during the remaining games.

Under-18s forward Dale Taylor travelled with the first-team squad to Fulham on Tuesday night. He was not included in the matchday 18, but, following injuries to Keinan Davis and Lewis Grabban, Cooper was keen to have an extra attacking option on standby.

The likes of Under-23s duo Oli Hammond and Ateef Konate have been involved earlier in the season under Cooper, while a group of academy players regularly train with the senior side. And as injury issues bite in the closing stages of the campaign, the Forest head coach says he won’t rule out giving youngsters a chance.

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Bournemouth boss Scott Parker says he believes "one million percent" his team can beat Nottingham Forest in next week’s showdown at the Vitality Stadium.

The Reds have chased down the Cherries in the race for second spot. The gap between the two was 18 points shortly after Steve Cooper took charge at the City Ground. It is now down to just three.

Both sides have three games to play and meet each other on the south coast next Tuesday night. Forest have won six of their last seven, and will be aiming to sign off on a high when they host Swansea City in their final home match of the regular season on Saturday.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have won just one of their last six fixtures, picking up four draws - including coming from 3-0 down to claim a point against the Swans in midweek. They travel to Blackburn Rovers this weekend. And ahead of that game, Parker has tried to rally his troops.

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It’s not just at games where Steve Cooper’s players have felt the support from Nottingham