Nottingham Forest presented with transfer dilemma as Steve Cooper wants to step up recruitment drive

Three friendlies in. Four to go. And three weeks before the action begins for real for Nottingham Forest.

Saturday evening at Oakwell was the very definition of a pre-season run-out. It was certainly not one for the purists.

No goals, few chances for either side, but another step forward in terms of match fitness for the Reds. The stalemate at Barnsley followed on from a defeat to Coventry City in Spain and a midweek victory over Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

Steve Cooper’s side still have matches against Hertha Berlin, Union Berlin, Notts County and Valencia to come before their opening Premier League fixture at Newcastle United on August 6. Forest reporter Sarah Clapson looks at some of the talking points from the match against the Tykes.

Cooper spoke afterwards about needing to pick up the pace again with the club’s summer signing spree, after it had “slowed down”. And it’s clear which areas need the most attention.

Reading too much into friendlies is unwise - they are primarily for building fitness - but the Reds do need creative/attacking reinforcements. They lacked a spark at Oakwell, with front man Taiwo Awoniyi barely getting a touch in the first half.

Filling the no.10 role which Philip Zinckernagel was so effective at last term is going to be key. It is so crucial to the way Forest play.

Youngster Oli Hammond has given a good account of himself while stepping in - with Joe Lolley turning out for the Under-23s in their friendly against Boston United on Saturday, having been told he is not part of the club’s plans for this campaign. But a long-term solution is needed.

Likewise, another striker. Midfield requires strengthening, too. Cooper is very much rebuilding a squad; ensuring it has the necessary