New signing Filip Krovinovic says he is ready for the challenge of helping Nottingham Forest climb the Championship table.
The midfielder put pen to paper with the Reds on Friday, joining on loan from Benfica for the rest of the season.
It came after his spell with West Bromwich Albion was cut short, with the 25-year-old having played a big part for the Baggies last term as they clinched promotion to the top-flight.
“I hope I can help the team achieve their goals. That’s why I’m here - to play, to enjoy and help the team as much as I can,” Krovinovic told the club website.
“It is a famous club; a very big club, with great fans - as I saw last year, when I played against them at the City Ground.
“I played the game here at the City Ground last season, which West Brom won. The second one was a draw.
“I found Nottingham Forest to be a very good team.
“This year, they have a very good team, with good players. Maybe the table isn’t showing that, but I hope we will improve that and I can help to achieve that.”
His time at The Hawthorns means Krovinovic is well versed in what to expect in the second tier.
“I was surprised, not by the quantity of games or the intensity. I also saw a lot of players who have very good skills and are technically good players,” he said.
“I enjoyed it a lot, especially because we were promoted to the Premier League.
“It’s a tough league, probably the most difficult league in the world, with a lot of games.
“It is a league with a lot of games, where you can enjoy and play, where you can see great stadiums and great fans. I only have positive things to say about it.”
Krovinovic was ineligible to play in the Reds’ FA Cup tie at Swansea City on Saturday, where they were knocked out in a 5-1 defeat.
He could make his debut against Barnsley next weekend, and is looking forward to working with Chris Hughton.
“We had a short conversation, but very productive. I liked the conversation,” he said of the Forest boss.
“His main objective was to bring me here, which I am.
“I am very happy because of that - as he is, I suppose!
“From what I have seen, he is a very nice person who you can always talk to.
“He always seems open to a conversation.
“I am very excited to start playing - this is what I want, it is what I live every day.
“The good thing is I can play next Saturday and I hope we will take three points.”
