Tag: Nottingham

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo has praised his players’ doggedness and positive spirits after securing  a ticket to the semi-final of the English FA Cup.

The former Wolves manager who disclosed that he was still in shock and a state of disbelief over their victory over Brighton which secured them a place in the last four, said he was thrilled the Reds fans are celebrating a first semi-final in the FA Cup since 1991.

 “We are so happy, all of us. It was a dream seeing our fans like that. There is nothing better,” Nuno revealed. “If we look back on the game in total, first half we were in control and we had a good defensive shape. It’s very difficult to control Brighton but I think we were able to do it.

 “In the second half after we made the changes, I felt the space was there and we had clear chances to win the game.

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 “Once you’re into extra time, anything can happen with the fatigue and in the end it was Brighton who had the chances.

 “But overall, in terms of the performance I think the boys did really well, really well.

 “We controlled the midfield and I think we were dominant against a team that is difficult to control and credit to the team for that.

“To win is a huge moment for all of us and especially Ryan Yates, he’s a one club man, club captain. But our attentions now turn to Tuesday.”

Nottingham Forest will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next month and will likely do so with their Super Eagles pair of Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina.

There are strong indications that Taiwo Awoniyi may return early to first-team action at Nottingham Forest after picking up an injury against Brentford.

Nottingham’s coach Steve Cooper has confirmed that the Nigerian is edging closer to returning to training.

The 26-year-old appeared to be fine after his substitution against Thomas Frank’s side, but the Nigerian striker missed the Reds’ trip to face Crystal Palace before the international break.

He’s since missed Nigeria’s game against Saudi Arabia, with the striker continuing his rehab at the Nottingham Forest.

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Cooper spoke in his pre-match press conference yesterday, admitting that Awoniyi is getting closer to a return.

Cooper admitted that the striker is progressing well after his injury.

“Taiwo Awoniyi is progressing well, he’s not far off some training so let’s see how the next week goes.

“Obviously you want everyone fit, but that’s often not the case so we’ll work with the players who are available and get ready for the game.”

Cooper explained after the 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park that Awoniyi would be missing for at least a month after his injury against Brentford.

If Awoniyi returns from injury quicker than expected it would be a huge boost for Cooper’s side.

No disrespect to Chris Wood or Divock Origi, but Awoniyi is a step ahead of the pair in terms of all-round centre forward play.

The 26-year-old is the Reds’ top scorer this season, with Forest failing to hit the back of the net without him last time out against Palace.

Steve Cooper has taken great care when it comes to integrating Nottingham Forest’s summer signings and the coach has acknowledged the immense contribution of Ola Aina since the Nigerian joined the team from Torino.

It is a process the Reds are still going through. Head coach Cooper pointed out again last week that they are still becoming a team.

The signs are there, though. Positive ones. And while it is still early days, Forest are undoubtedly stronger for the transfer business.

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In Murillo, they have a superstar in the making. Nicolas Dominguez is clearly a class act. Ibrahim Sangare is starting to show what he can do. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga are bright talents. All in all, the Reds now have strength in depth across the pitch with plenty of competition for places – indeed, two of the newcomers (Odysseas Vlachodimos and Andrew Omobamidele) are still waiting to make their debuts.

But arguably the pick of Forest’s summer signings so far is the one who came through the City Ground doors first. And he did so with comparatively little fanfare.

Ola Aina might not quite have the X-factor some of the Reds’ other recruits possess. He wasn’t exactly a statement signing or one which necessarily got fans rubbing their hands together in excitement. But he has been one of the team’s most consistent players this season.

Arriving early in the window will have helped, but Aina still slotted in seamlessly. He has looked at home in Forest’s back line.

His versatility has proved useful, too. Although naturally right-footed, he has looked comfortable on the left.

Meanwhile, the way he breezed past Kyle Walker against Manchester City was superb.

That he came in as a free agent only makes it an even better bit of business on the Reds’ part. The 27-year-old has been excellent – at least up until injury ruled him out of the past two games.

Come the end of the season, no doubt a case can be made for one of the other summer additions to take the crown of best signing – two games into his Forest career, Murillo is certainly heading that way. But you still wouldn’t bet against Aina having a campaign where he quietly and effectively goes about his business. Bringing him in has already proved a smart move.