Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi believes Tyler Walker can continue his goalscoring form in the Championship, as the striker is being recalled from Lincoln City.
Walker has been in red-hot form for the Imps, bagging 16 goals in 34 appearances - but what was to be a season-long loan is being cut short to aid the Reds’ promotion push.
It is understood Forest will have to compensate Lincoln financially to bring the 23-year-old back to the City Ground, due to the terms of his deal.
But Lamouchi is eager to have the front man as part of his squad, offering a ringing endorsement of the Nigel Doughty Academy product.
“I prefer to bring back players I know, and he knows the atmosphere, he knows the club, he knows the dressing room,” said the head coach.
“I know it can create some problems for Lincoln, and I am so sorry for that.
“But I prefer to have Tyler Walker than somebody who needs time to adapt and to show his quality, because we don’t have time.
“We have 17 games to play. We have to play with more confidence and trust each other.
“Tyler is one of us.”
The Reds moved up to third in the table as a result of their victory over promotion rivals Brentford on Tuesday night, and they are within two points of second-placed West Bromwich Albion.
Strengthening his attacking resources has been a priority for Lamouchi during the transfer window, with winger Adama Diakhaby and front man Nuno da Costa already added to the squad.
Prior to his time at Sincil Bank, Walker has had loan spells at Mansfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Port Vale, Stevenage and Burton Albion.
He is now set to get his chance in the Garibaldi under Lamouchi, with the Frenchman backing him to keep finding the back of the net - at this level, and even higher.
“He can score at all levels,” Lamouchi said of Walker.
“League Two he has scored, League One he has scored, Championship he will score, and Premier League, I am sure he will score.
“He is a striker. He is a goal scorer. He is a killer inside the box.”
