Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton says it is unlikely he will opt to play strikers Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor together - for the time being.
The former has only recently returned from a hip injury which had kept him out of action since October.
Grabban came off the bench to replace Taylor against Sheffield Wednesday last Tuesday, marking his comeback with a goal, and then started Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Millwall.
It was Taylor who came on for his fellow forward with 20 minutes to go at The Den, having dropped to the bench in Hughton’s only change to his starting line-up.
And with the Reds still battling towards the bottom end of the table, the manager says now is not the moment to go with both up top.
“I think probably at the moment it’s either or,” he told NottinghamshireLive.
“If we were maybe in a different position points-wise and with our end product, playing a bit better than what we have been at times, it might be a different consideration.
“But for where we are at the moment, we need to make sure we stay in games as much as we need that type of quality up front.”
Finding the net against the Owls was Grabban’s first goal of the season, while his teammate has netted four times since moving to the City Ground in the summer.
Choosing who should start is not an easy task for Hughton, who also has youngster Will Swan and Miguel Angel Guerrero in his squad.
“It’s always a difficult choice,” said the Forest boss, whose team are next in action on Boxing Day, when they host Birmingham City.
“I must admit, I think it’s been tough for Lyle. When you are, in effect, probably the only experienced number nine in the squad, there is a fair bit on his shoulders.
“I know Will Swan has been with us, but we still see him very much as a young one coming through with a lot to learn. Guerrero is probably one who is going to play off a No.9, more as a No.10.
“With Lewis and Lyle available now, it releases a little bit of pressure. It allows me to make changes. And it also allows me, if we need, to go with both of them up top.
“It relieves that little bit of pressure on both of them.”
