Nottingham Forest are putting the pieces in place for a play-offs push, with defender Scott McKenna impressed by the club’s early transfer business.
Striker Keinan Davis joined the Reds on loan from Aston Villa on the opening day of the window, while experienced defender Steve Cook made the switch on a free from Bournemouth soon after.
Full-back Richie Laryea is expected to become the club’s third addition when he links up with Steve Cooper’s side from Toronto FC.
Forest have a break from Championship action this weekend, as they face Arsenal in the FA Cup, but the goal for this season is to challenge for a top six spot - and McKenna believes the new signings can make a big difference with that.
“I don’t think we were too far away, with the squad we had before January. We were playing well and getting positive results,” said the centre-back.
“But getting these top quality players in to push us that extra wee bit, hopefully that can help us and shoot us up the league more than we already have
“Seeing new faces come in always gives the squad a boost, especially when you see the quality they have.
“They will be great additions to the squad. I feel they will really help us in the second part of the season.
“We’ve trained with them the last couple of days. They are top quality players - both with Premier League experience.
“They will be great additions to the squad.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing them in Nottingham Forest shirts.”
Cook, in particular, has the potential to be a key figure in the dressing room.
He twice won promotion with the Cherries and was a regular during their time in the top-flight.
“It’s brilliant. He’s going to be brilliant for the club and brilliant for the team,” said McKenna.
“The level he’s played at, the experience he’s got, it should massively help everyone.
“I’m really looking forward to getting the opportunity to play with him.
“You always need competition to try to better everyone, no matter how well you’ve been doing. That extra competition is always going to push everyone on.
“We’re all here to do well for the club. If that means you’re getting pushed by someone else, that’s the best thing. You can’t take your foot off the gas.”
Cook racked up almost 400 appearances for Bournemouth, and the Reds will look to tap into his know-how as part of a strong spine of the side.
“It can make a massive difference, just that bit of reassurance within the full team,” McKennan added.
“We’ve got lads within the squad who have been promoted before. We’ve got a good core with that experience now.
“You’ve got Jack Colback, who’s been promoted before. Lewis Grabban. Steve Cook.
“Jack has been playing on the left more recently, but that experience right through the middle of the team will hopefully help us massively.”
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