Defender Tendayi Darikwa is likely to leave Nottingham Forest this month, if a chance of securing game time elsewhere comes up.
Chris Hughton has been impressed with the full-back’s attitude and commitment in training.
But the Reds boss says a lack of competitive action has made it difficult for Darikwa to force his way into his plans.
The 29-year-old suffered a ruptured ACL on the eve of last season and only returned at the back end of the campaign, being an unused substitute in the final weeks, following the Championship’s restart.
Having not been involved this term, his last appearance in the Garibaldi was back in March 2019, against Swansea City.
Cyrus Christie has cemented his position as first-choice right-back since joining in the summer, while Carl Jenkinson has provided back-up.
And with Forest looking to cut squad numbers during this transfer window, Hughton says there is the possibility Darikwa could move on, ahead of his contract coming to an end in the summer.
“We’ve always been very open with Tendayi,” the Reds manager told NottinghamshireLive.
“He’s a really good individual, a good trainer and a good player.
“But it’s a good while - even before my time - since he’s played.
“He is one that if there’s an opportunity for him to get games elsewhere, then I think that’s an opportunity we would accept and he would take.
“But having said that, he pushes every day in training. And although he’s not been involved, I wouldn’t be too fearful of involving him.
“It’s only that he’s not played for a while.
“But his levels have been good and he’s played some under-23s games, and is an incredibly good professional.”
