Play-off permutations explained as Nottingham Forest transfer update emerges

This could be a decisive weekend for Nottingham Forest in their hunt for a top-six finish.

Steve Cooper’s Reds have given themselves a great chance of making sure they are in the play-off mix, having shot up the Championship table under the Welshman’s stewardship. And they will be eager to make sure they now get over the line.

As the season reaches its business end, there is still plenty to be decided in the remaining games. Fulham have already confirmed their place in the Premier League next term, but a number of other teams are fighting it out to join them.

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Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has welcomed the timely boost of an earlier than expected return for defender Steve Cook.

The centre-back suffered an ankle injury against Reading in mid-March and was set to be sidelined for six weeks. But he made his comeback on Monday night, coming off the bench in the 4-0 thumping of West Bromwich Albion.

It comes as skipper Lewis Grabban recently recovered from an ankle problem of his own which had kept him out since the end of January. And as the Reds look to secure a top-six finish in their final five games of the season, having the experienced duo available again could be crucial.

Asked if Cook would be ready to start games, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Peterborough United, Cooper said: “It’s probably a bit of both really, truth be told. He hasn’t had loads of training sessions. Sometimes you have to work with these guys and listen to how they are feeling.

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Norwich City manager Dean Smith is said to not be interested in Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis.

The Villa man joined Nottingham Forest on loan in January for the remainder of the season, enjoying an excellent second half