'Irrelevant' - Scott Parker has his say as Nottingham Forest close in on Bournemouth

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker has sent his players a clear message as Nottingham Forest close in.

The Reds cut the gap on second-placed Bournemouth to just three points on Tuesday night with a stunning 1-0 win at Championship leaders Fulham, as the Cherries fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Swansea.

They both have three matches left to play - and, in a twist to the battle for the final automatic promotion place, the two teams will play each other at the Vitality Stadium in the penultimate match of the season next Tuesday night.

“We need to maintain where we are," said Parker, after his side's draw against Swansea.

“We have another big game now in Blackburn away, then we play Forest and Millwall.

“I have always stated this season will be ups and downs and blips along the way. It’s going to be a tight remaining part of it.

“But it’s honestly irrelevant. We need to get better in certain areas – that was clear tonight.

“Then there’s other areas we need to keep pushing and going.”