Striker makes Steve Cooper prediction as Nottingham Forest prepare for crunch clash

Steve Cooper has ensured fans his Nottingham Forest side will be ready for another "tough" match when they take on Bournemouth on Friday night.

The Reds will be keen to continue chasing the play-offs, currently just two points off Middlesbrough, who sit in sixth place.

After sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw to Stoke City at the City Ground last time out, it meant that they dropped just outside of the top six.

Cooper is confident his team will be able to deliver against the high-flying Cherries, who are currently sitting in second place.

"We’re in great shape, training has been excellent and we’re really looking forward to Friday night," Cooper told Forest club media. "We want to be playing these tough matches and the game can’t come quick enough.

Striker Sam Surridge is confident Steve Cooper can get the best out of him as he looks to contribute to Nottingham Forest’s promotion push.

The 23-year-old was a deadline day signing for the Reds, joining from Championship rivals Stoke City in a deal believed to be worth about £2.2m.

He has worked with Cooper before, when the Welshman signed him on loan from Bournemouth during his time at Swansea City, in the summer of 2019.

Surridge found the net seven times in 23 games during his half-season with the Swans, and while he is yet to get his first in the Garibaldi - having made three substitute appearances - he believes the goals will soon start to flow.

Midfielder Ryan Yates says the relationship between Nottingham Forest players and fans is "the best" he’s known during his time at the club.

And he believes it can help get the Reds over the line in games - just as the City Ground atmosphere played a part in a dramatic equaliser on Saturday.

The 24-year-old came off the bench to