Derby County boss Phillip Cocu has been forced to defend his team selection after making eleven changes for Tuesday night's East Midlands derby.
Nottingham Forest were 3-0 winners on a night that was comfortable for Sabri Lamouchi's men.
Albert Adomah, Joe Lolley and Joao Carvalho, on his return from injury, got on the score sheet on Trentside as the Reds retained the Brian Clough trophy with ease.
"I think if you look at the team of Forest, it's the same," Cocu told DerbyshireLive when quizzed on his team selection.
"They also have a schedule that is extremely busy. You cannot play all games, it is just impossible.
"They [Forest] did well in the first cup game [against Scunthorpe].
"It was not all youngsters that played. A few, yes, but we also had some experience in the team with Shinnie and Curtis Davies.
"So it was not all youngsters, but the combination of some youngsters and some players who have not played so much, that is true.
"But we have to look at the total picture. We have had, and still have some injuries. We have to adapt and we have to be careful with the players to keep them fit."
