Boss Steve Cooper says club record signing Joao Carvalho can still have a part to play for Nottingham Forest this season.
The Portuguese has yet to feature in the Garibaldi since the change of manager, being an unused substitute in each of Cooper’s four games in charge.
Carvalho’s last appearance for the Reds was back in August, against Derby County - one of only five run-outs he has made so far this term.
It comes after there was speculation about his City Ground future in the summer, having been on loan at Almeria last year; the Spanish side deciding against taking up an option to buy.
But Cooper insists the 24-year-old will get his chance, if he continues to keep working hard in training.
“Of course he has a part to play. He wouldn’t be on the bench or in the squad if I didn’t think that, because not everybody has got changed on a matchday,” the head coach told NottinghamshireLive.
“We select our benches carefully, as we do with the team - thinking about the ‘what ifs’ in a game.
“Everyone sitting on that bench is there for a reason. Joao is exactly the same.”
Cooper has stuck with a fairly consistent XI during his short time at the helm. And with his team picking up results, those not in the side face a challenge to force their way into the line-up.
Carvalho isn’t the only one in the squad struggling for game time ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bristol City. He is said to have been doing well in training, though.
“He’s been good,” Cooper added.
“When we talk about the guys who have been on the bench (as options) we should mention him as well.
“He trains really well and is a good guy. He looks ready to play. He has to stay that way so if the chance comes, he’s ready to take it.
“If those players do take their chance, they benefit from it.
“It’s all positive with what I’m seeing with Joao in training and how he is around the place.
“I’ve only done four games, so it’s not a long stretch yet.
“But having him there, seeing what he can do - from what I’ve seen in training, it’s another positive scenario for us.”
