Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says he gives the Championship table no more than a passing glance at this stage of the season.
And his full focus is on wringing every last drop out of the squad he has got, as the Reds look to compete towards the top end of the standings.
Sunday’s 4-0 thumping at home to Fulham was their first defeat since the Welshman took charge, having been on a run of four straight wins.
The head coach is looking for a response against QPR on Friday night, when victory would take Forest to within one point of the top six - albeit likely only temporarily.
Injury latest
Nottingham Forest’s injury list is steadily starting to improve, with defenders Loic Mbe Soh and Rodrigo Ely making progress.
The former picked up a thigh issue just before Steve Cooper’s first match in charge, against Millwall in September, while his teammate has yet to feature after signing for the Reds in the summer.
Ely has suffered a series of setbacks since making the move to the City Ground on a free transfer, after recovering from a long-term injury problem.
But he is set to feature for the club’s under-23s when they face West Bromwich Albion at Meadow Lane on Monday, with Cooper planning to watch on as he takes a significant step towards being in first-team contention.
Forest barb
Potential Derby County buyer Chris Kirchner has aimed a bizarre jibe at Nottingham Forest on Twitter.
Kirchner was responding to a question he didn't want to expand upon, only to say "Nottingham Forest sucks".
It comes after Kirchner confirmed his interest in buying Derby after the club went into administration just over a month ago.
It is claimed there are two 'very serious' potential buyers working with the club's administrators, and Kirchner made his interest public shortly afterwards.
Transfer talk
Peterborough United have rubbished the suggestion they are keen on reported Nottingham Forest target Jili Buyabu.
The Reds are among a number of teams linked with the non-league midfielder, who plays for Hornchurch, ahead of the January transfer window.
Posh were said to also be keeping tabs on the youngster, while Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly sent scouts to watch him, according to the Non-League Paper.
Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson, however, has dismissed the speculation, saying Buyabu isn’t part of the club’s thinking.
