Striker Lyle Taylor admits actions will speak louder than words, when it comes to Nottingham Forest’s bid to climb the table.
The Reds went into the international break on the back of successive home wins, but still languish in 20th spot.
A poor start to the campaign under previous manager Sabri Lamouchi, which saw them fall to four straight league defeats, has left them playing catch-up.
And while there have been signs of improvement under Chris Hughton - with the aim still to push for promotion - Taylor accepts Forest still have to prove themselves on the pitch.
"We want to be up there fighting,” said the summer signing. “We have to do it. I can say we're going to win the league, but unless we do it, it means nothing.
"It's going to take work. It's that simple.
"It's nice for the opposition to say they expect us to be up there, but we have to put points on the board."
Hughton has lost once in his seven games in charge, when his team fell to a 1-0 defeat amid a disappointing display at Middlesbrough.
The Reds have yet to hit fifth gear in terms of performances, with plenty of areas in which they need to improve.
But Taylor says the new manager has been working to implement his style of play - something time on the training ground during the current international break will go a long way towards.
"We have an identity and direction from the manager,” he added. “We have to do all we can to put his plans into practice.
"If we don't put the yards in plans come to nothing.
“We have to rest up (during the break) and get ready to go again because there's a lot more miles to run. It won't be easy.”
