Ethan Horvath lifts the lid on goalkeeping group after getting Nottingham Forest chance

Ethan Horvath never gave up hope of getting another chance for Nottingham Forest. And having been handed an opportunity, he has been determined to make the most of it.

The American goalkeeper signed for the Reds in the summer but has mostly had to settle for warming the bench as Brice Samba has continued to be first-choice.

Horvath was selected for the Carabao Cup ties against Bradford City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the season, then endured a tough night on his league debut in what proved to be Chris Hughton’s final match in charge, against Middlesbrough in September.

But since then, he has had to be patient - until a three-match suspension for Samba gave him an opening.

“It’s nice to be playing,” said the 26-year-old, who has kept clean-sheets in successive outings, against Preston North End and Bristol City, and is expected to keep his place for Friday’s trip to Sheffield United.

“While waiting, you just need to keep going every day. Take it day by day and just keep going, because you know people are watching. You know the manager is watching and his coaches are watching.

“It’s about showing that you are ready each day and not taking a day off.

“Now that I’m in the team, under the circumstances, I’m really, really enjoying it.

“I’ll try to enjoy this week, go to Sheffield and enjoy the game.

“It’s down to the manager to pick what happens then, but I’ve really enjoyed it. All I can control is myself.”

Head coach Steve Cooper admitted after the weekend’s 2-0 triumph over the Robins that Horvath had given him food for thought.

But regardless who gets the nod, the 26-year-old says he has a good relationship with Samba and fellow shot-stopper Jordan Smith, which mirrors the bond throughout the whole squad.