Head coach Sabri Lamouchi admits he has a big call to make when it comes to naming his goalkeeper in Nottingham Forest’s final game before the international break.
Manchester City loanee Arijanet Muric had been first-choice between the posts for all of the Reds’ league games prior to last weekend’s trip to Fulham.
But it was fellow summer signing Brice Samba who got the nod at Craven Cottage, playing a part in a 2-1 victory for the visitors - and going on to keep a clean-sheet against Derby County in the Carabao Cup win on Tuesday night.
Lamouchi, though, was giving little away about who might feature in tomorrow’s clash with Preston North End at the City Ground, as his team look to make it seven games unbeaten in all competitions.
And the Frenchman says there has been no negative reaction from Muric after being dropped to the bench against the Cottagers.
“I don’t think it will affect him,” he said, when asked about Muric. “But honestly, we don’t talk about that. It was my choice.
“My door is always open to talk with everyone.
“My job is not easy. I must make choices and this time it was good because we won.
“But I always make the choices just to achieve our goals - how, which way, which player, which team.
“After many questions, I took this decision (to play Samba).”
On this weekend’s fixture, he added: “My mind is clear.
“It is not easy for me to pick a starting XI, because I could pick two different teams. They all want to play tomorrow. The atmosphere is so positive.
“But we must be careful and focus on what we have to do.”
Lamouchi has also praised third-choice custodian Jordan Smith for retaining a positive attitude despite not yet featuring this season.
“It is a big decision choosing who plays,” he said. “But I am lucky because I have two good goalkeepers
“And I don’t want to not mention the third one, Jordan Smith. He is fantastic, with his spirit and what he is doing every day in training.
“It is difficult (for Smith), but he is a very positive guy.
“He is working hard every day and he is learning as well.
“The atmosphere among the keepers is good; it’s very good.”
