'Torrid time' - Alan Shearer sends Steven Gerrard a reminder over Aston Villa striker

Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis has been praised for giving Leicester City defenders a "torrid time" for loan club Nottingham Forest during the first half of their FA Cup fifth round tie.

Davis ' name may not have featured on the scoresheet at half-time, but the striker played a key part in assisting the opening goal at the City Ground by knocking down Brennan Johnson's cross into the path of Philip Zinckernagel inside the six-yard box.

This performance caught the eye of Alan Shearer, who made a point of praising the 23-year-old's unselfish play when holding the ball up for other teammates.

"Davis has given the two centre-halves a torrid time in terms of holding the ball up, in the air as well," Shearer said on BBC One at half-time.

"Watch his movement, he pulls on to the full-back. That's what you have to do. The ball comes in and he's too strong. It's a really well-worked goal, simple but effective. The big centre-forward heads it back. Very good play."

Former Leicester and Forest defender Wes Morgan - who once a five-game spell on loan at Kidderminster Harriers - also added to the adulations for the ex- England youth international for taking the opportunity against Premier League opposition with both hands.

"I never knew the kid. He had promise. He was strong and quick but unpolished. He's showing what he can do today."

Davis has made five appearances in all competitions since leaving Villa Park on loan last month and scored in each of Forest 's last two Championship matches against Barnsley and Cardiff City.