Midfielder Ben Watson believes Nottingham Forest’s strong team spirit can help give them the edge in the Championship promotion race.
With 13 games to go, the Reds sit fifth in the table, four points adrift of second-placed Leeds United and eight behind leaders West Bromwich Albion, who they held to a 2-2 draw at the weekend.
And while Watson admits some of their rivals have spent more money or perhaps have stronger squads on paper, he believes Sabri Lamouchi’s men have a far more valuable commodity.
“The gaffer and staff have built a fantastic dressing room,” said the 34-year-old.
“We’re the first to hold our hands up - we know we’re not the best team in the league, but the one thing we have got is that fight, that determination and that team spirit.
“At this time of the season, with 13 games to go, that can sometimes get you over the line.
“We have got quality in the squad as well, we showed that on Saturday. But the one thing we have got in abundance is team spirit.
“You’ve got some big teams in the league.
“You’ve got teams who have spent a lot of money. Some teams have spent a fortune. We haven’t, but we’re there or thereabouts.”
Forest bounced back from a midweek defeat to Charlton Athletic when they twice came from behind against the Baggies.
On a tempestuous afternoon, a stunning strike from Matty Cash rescued a point in added time.
Watson knows there cannot be room for many more slip-ups if a top six finish is to be achieved, with a visit from QPR to come on Saturday.
“We’ve got 13 cup finals, but that’s going to be the case for everyone,” he said. “It’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.
“If you’d said at the start of the season ‘after 33 games you’ll be a few points off second’, we’d have snapped your hand off.
“We’ve done brilliantly so far. We’ve just got to maintain that for the last 13 games and get as many points as we can - enjoy it and what will be, will be.
“We have to be consistent; a lot more than we have been.
“We have to go on a run of results now.
“There’s 13 games to go - 13 cup finals - and we’ve got to look to get as many points as we can. If we do, then we won’t be far away.”
