Costel Pantilimon names which two Nottingham Forest signings are ‘strong players’

Costel Pantilimon says Alexander Milosevic and Yohan Benalouane are “strong players” and “feels confident” having the Nottingham Forest defenders in front of him.

Martin O’Neill signed Benalouane on an 18-month deal from Leicester City midway through January and Milosevic on a free transfer from AIK on transfer deadline day. The pair have forged a formidable defensive partnership at Forest which has drawn praise from pundits and now teammates.

Pantilimon said to Nottinghamshire Live: “They are good players and they are showing that they are good players. Bena and Alex are strong players; they are winning every ball. I feel confident with them in front of me.

“We have good and strong defenders who have been unlucky, because they are injured. We hope we can get them back fit as well, because when we do, the squad will be stronger again.”

Benalouane has made five Championship appearances since his move from Leicester. He’s had problems with indiscipline, however, picking up three yellow cards and one red card already. The 31-year-old was sent off against Birmingham City on February 2 and missed Forest’s win over Brentford a week later.

Milosevic has made four league appearances for the Reds, helping them to one win and two draws in their last three games. The 27-year-old also signed an 18-month deal at the City Ground and has made a great impression early on. Pantilimon is happy with a more resilient defence ahead of him, so credit goes to O’Neill for his shrewd moves in the transfer market.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article