Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane have brought a “winning mentality” to Nottingham Forest since they took charge.
The former replaced Aitor Karanka in the City Ground hotseat back in January, with Keane also returning to his old club to take up the role of assistant.
And defender Michael Dawson has been speaking about the impact the pair have had.
The key dates which will decide Nottingham Forest's play-offs fate
O’Neill has been at the helm for 12 games now, winning five of those and registering four losses as the Reds have kept up their push for the play-offs.
Dawson has not yet been able to feature for the Northern Irishman as he remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, but has still been impressed with the managerial duo since their arrival.
“Since they came into the club they’ve been great for us,” the 35-year-old told talkSPORT. “They have brought a winning mentality and given everyone a lift.
“We’ve now got seven games to try to reach those play-off places.”
Forest currently have a three-point gap to close to the Championship’s top six, heading into the campaign’s finale.
They returned to action after the international break with a stirring comeback victory over Swansea City, and will now look to record back-to-back wins for the first time since September when they go to Rotherham United this weekend.
Beyond the top four, there are seven teams all within five points of each other, making for a real dogfight in the remaining weeks – and the Reds are right in the mix.
“Five or six teams are probably in the mix for two spots now,” said Dawson, who suffered a setback in his recovery from injury during one of O’Neill’s first training sessions.
“You have to say that Leeds, Norwich, Sheffield United and West Brom are probably competing for the top four, but the other two (places) are there.”
