Lewis Grabban has been backed to continue to thrive for Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest, having been in red-hot form before the international break.
The front man made it four goals in his last six appearances when he bagged a stunning strike in the 3-0 victory over Birmingham City last Saturday.
And Reds legend Garry Birtles believes Cooper’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation is working wonders for Grabban.
Where he has often looked isolated and lacked chances in the past, with the new head coach encouraging his side to get forward, the 33-year-old is now benefitting from a better supply line.
International request
Nottingham Forest midfielder Braian Ojeda reportedly requested not to be called up by his country this month.
The summer signing has yet to make his first-team debut for the Reds, having only recently become available for selection following a deadline day move.
Both the 21-year-old and fellow new arrival Mohamed Drager had to complete 10 days of self-isolation in September, after they had travelled to places on the government’s red list while representing their national teams during the last international break.
But Ojeda asked Paraguay head coach Eduardo Berizzo “not to be called upon on this occasion in order to adapt to his new club in England”, according to news outlet Versus.
Mixed fortunes
The loan market proved to be a source of success for Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.
Philip Zinckernagel, Max Lowe and Djed Spence have all impressed since signing for the Reds, while new boss Steve Cooper will be hoping to get the best out of James Garner and for Jordi Osei-Tutu to overcome his injury troubles.
The arrival of the quintet was part of a dressing room overhaul which saw a number of incomings and outgoings at the City Ground, including some players who headed elsewhere on a temporary basis.
We take a look at how those who left Forest on loan are getting on.
Montanier's flops
There's always an element of risk about any transfer - and Nottingham Forest have had their fair share of flops over the years.
They seem to have done some decent business in the last window, with loanees Philip Zinckernagel, Djed Spence and Max Lowe impressing, in particular.
New boss Steve Cooper will have to wait until January, though, for his first chance to make his mark on the squad.
He will hope for better fortune in the transfer market than one of his predecessors, with former Reds manager Philippe Montanier having one of the worst records in recent times on that front. Many of the Frenchman's additions stood out for all the wrong reasons.
We’ve had a look back at those players brought in under Montanier, and what’s happened to them since.
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