Calderwood On Competition For Places

Not for the first time this season, Nottingham Forest find themselves preparing for a match they are expected to win at a canter.

But, while Colin Calderwood may be becoming accustomed to life as the giants waiting to be killed, he is determined his players will maintain the right attitude.

And, while they come up against Yeading, a club whose entire team cost less than Nathan Tyson, Calderwood believes that Forest’s depth of resources will actually work in their favour tomorrow.

While Forest would gain little credit for beating a part-time side who play three tiers below the Reds, Calderwood knows what is at stake for his players.

With so many of his squad on their way back to full fitness, a real fight for places is developing at the City Ground, and any dip in form tomorrow could prove costly.

‘The competition for places we have makes me believe everyone will be fully motivated,’ said Calderwood.

‘The lads want to win, as always, but they will also want to hold onto their place in the team.

‘We have got to a consistent level, the boys are pushing very hard at the moment.

‘We have Nathan Tyson and Scott Dobie coming back from injury. We really want to push Nathan to see if he can play a part this weekend. Scott should also be involved.’

Another player who should return to first team action is Gary Holt, who could fill the midfield void left by James Perch, who is suspended.

‘As long as there is no reaction from his training or the game he played on Monday, he will be in the squad,’ said Calderwood of Holt, who was sidelined following a minor knee operation. ‘It is slightly quicker than expected, but it has settled down well.’

Calderwood says Forest will be prepared for Yeading.

‘We do not have video footage of them, which we normally like to have, but we will make sure we are fully prepared,’ he said.

‘It is important to try to be dominant in the first period of the game. To score the first goal would make it easier. We want to win tomorrow and we want to win the next round to make sure we have the prospect of playing against a Premiership side in the third round at the beginning of January.’







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