Nottingham Forest boss sends striker message as hard work 'doesn't go unnoticed'

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.

“But what he has done is kept himself absolutely ready for when his minutes have come. He’s been taking his chances.

“Okay, the goals are the most important thing for him. But his overall contribution has been excellent as well - the way he’s pressed without the ball, his running in-behind, and he’s even assisted goals as well.

“Sam is in good form. And he’s really committed to his profession here. He’s been coming in on days off and doing extra. That sort of stuff doesn’t go unnoticed with me.

“He’s doing really well. The more opportunities he gets, I’m confident he’ll keep taking them.

“For sure, he’s pushing for a start. But all of the players are. I’d be comfortable playing any of the players who maybe haven’t started or didn’t start at the weekend.

“The more good players we can have coming off the