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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Davies

Nottingham Forest legends disagree over major play-off final selection debate

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper arguably has just one selection dilemma heading into Sunday's Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town.

While 10 players perhaps pick themselves, there is a big debate to be had over who starts in attack. Sam Surridge has been excellent, but the return of Keinan Davis from injury has given Cooper plenty of food for thought.

We discussed who should start through the middle on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast with Forest legends Garry Birtles and Paul Hart. Here is what they had to say.

Read more: Everton 'determined' to sign Nottingham Forest star top of their transfer wish list

Read more: Forest star tipped to be big-game player in Wembley showdown with Huddersfield Town

GB: "Sam Surridge for me. I'm a big Keinan fan. When he came in you could see his fitness levels weren't 100 percent, but he's got better each game.

"Surridge gives you so many different options. He's a workaholic, his movement outside the box is excellent and his movement in the box is good but minimal.

"That's what good strikers do. It's just about that half a yard in the box to unsettle a defender. Some of his finishes have been outstanding, they're acceptable at the top level and he'll create things.

"If he gets the right service he'll get goals. He doesn't panic when the ball comes to him. He's the first player I'm watching when he's playing.

"I look at his movement and what he does when the ball is in midfield. Does he come to the ball yes? Can he run in behind? Yes. Does he win headers? He wins his share. Can he finish? My word can he.

"Keinan can make a difference coming on and Sam has earned the right to start."

PH: "I think Davis is a better player and with the greatest respect to Huddersfield, I think they can be opened up. He gives you that bit of extra stuff Garry is talking about.

"I'd always return to your best team and he's probably in it. If Surridge plays then he can cause them problems. I do think that's where they're vulnerable. They're not great defending one on one. They're not particularly quick. I think Davis gives them that extra bit of something different."

Who should start at Wembley? Have your say in the comments section below

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