Nottingham Forest boss facing 'awkward decision' as Premier League transfer link emerges

Having Lewis Grabban back has given Nottingham Forest a lift at a crucial time, as they head into a decisive final nine-match run-in.

Boss Steve Cooper was pleased to see the front man get a good reception when he made his return from a lengthy lay-off on Saturday. But he remained coy over whether Grabban is ready to start games, as the Reds prepare to host Coventry City on Wednesday night.

The 34-year-old was sidelined for two months after suffering an ankle injury against Cardiff City at the end of January. He came off the bench in the 4-1 thumping of Blackpool at the weekend, though, and looked as though he had never been away.

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Sam Surridge is pushing for his first league start as he takes every opportunity to catch the eye of Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.

The January signing has proved to be clinical in front of goal when presented with a chance. He made it three in his last five run-outs when he came off the bench to coolly finish a delightful Scott McKenna pass at Blackpool on Saturday.

The striker has yet to start a game for the Reds in the league, however, with his only inclusion in the first XI so far coming against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup. And with Lewis Grabban back from injury, the competition for a place in the team has only got tougher, as Aston Villa loanee Keinan Davis also continues to impress.

“Fair play to him, the chances he’s been given so far, he’s really taken,” Cooper said of Surridge. “He hasn’t come here to start on the bench, but at the same time, he’s maybe accepted up to now that that’s how it’s been.

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Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper admits he has been left with an “awkward decision” over who should play in goal for the remaining nine games