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.
Key stats
Data plays an important role in how Nottingham Forest prepare for games under Steve Cooper.
But there is one particular stat he is not concerned about as his team make the trip to face Bristol City on Tuesday night.
The Robins have not won at home since January - a run which stretches to 16 games from the back end of last season to the current campaign.
It is the kind of record which has the potential to strike fear into opponents, not wanting to be the ones who fall victim to it being broken.
For Cooper, though, it merits little thought; he prefers to concentrate on the stats which show what his own players can bring to the table.
Captain's role
Head coach Steve Cooper says “nothing is off limits” when he has discussions with Nottingham Forest captain Lewis Grabban.
The Reds front man has been in red-hot form in recent weeks, making it five goals in seven games when he found the net against Blackpool on Saturday.
And he has continued to act as skipper under Cooper, with the Welshman placing a particular importance on the role.
It is something Grabban has come in for criticism over in the past, with some questioning his leadership style. But he now seems to be relishing the responsibility, as Cooper leans on him as a go-between with the rest of the dressing room.
Clark's verdict
Nottingham Forest know all about the expectation which comes with a change in ownership.
And Reds legend Frank Clark says it will now be the same for another of his old clubs, Newcastle United.
A £305m takeover of the Premier League outfit was completed earlier this month, making the Magpies one of the richest clubs in the world.
They are currently in the top-flight relegation zone, with just three points so far this season.
But, as has been the case at the City Ground, new investment can increase the pressure to succeed.
“It must be like Fred Karno’s circus up there at the minute,” Clark, who made more than 380 league appearances for Newcastle as a player, told NottinghamshireLive. “It’s great for the club and the city.
