Nottingham Forest ace 'relishes' big occasion as Bournemouth wary of threat

Striker Sam Surridge “relishes” the big occasions - and he knows they don’t come much bigger than Nottingham Forest’s clash at Bournemouth.

Automatic promotion is a real possibility for the Reds as this season reaches its climax, with Tuesday night near enough a winner-takes-all encounter in the fight for second place. Victory for the hosts would clinch their place in the Premier League, while three points for Steve Cooper’s side would see them leapfrog their opponents on goal difference with one game to go.

Even a draw would not extinguish Forest’s hopes completely. A point apiece would still take it down to the final day.

Boss Steve Cooper has predicted a bright future at Nottingham Forest for youngster Alex Mighten.

Game time has been limited for the 20-year-old this season, with a combination of injuries, tactical tweaks and the Reds’ impressive promotion-chasing form playing a part. Saturday’s run-out from off the bench was only his fourth appearance of 2022.

Still, Mighten marked it with a goal which showed great determination and capped a 5-1 win over Swansea City as Forest kept their hopes of snatching second spot alive. And Cooper says the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate will be a key part of his plans going forward.

“He had a spring in his step in training! He was on a brilliant level in training,” said the Welshman. “He deserved it.

Midfielder Philip Billing says Bournemouth are well aware of the threat Nottingham Forest will pose on Tuesday evening.

The two sides meet at the Vitality Stadium for a rearranged clash which could determine who finishes second in the Championship. If the Reds avoid defeat, the battle for automatic promotion would go down to the final day.

Under Steve Cooper’s