Claudio Yacob returned to the Nottingham Forest matchday squad in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Swansea City but didn’t come off the bench. The 31-year-old made his last appearance for the Reds against his former side West Bromwich Albion on February 12 and has been absent ever since.
Yacob has been a regular under Aitor Karanka but found himself out of the squad under Martin O’Neill which raised questions over his future at the City Ground. The defensive-midfielder still has another year remaining on his deal, but a lack of playing time could see him consider an early move, so his inclusion against Swansea is a big deal.
O’Neill has praised Yacob publicly and didn’t shut the door on the Argentine international returning for Forest this season, so he may have more of a future than Liam Bridcutt. Pele was signed in January and has been a regular in recent weeks, but he’s only on loan and should return to his parent club this summer.
Yacob was outstanding in midfield alongside Jack Colback earlier in the season, but he can’t convince O’Neill to give him a chance. He’ll be hoping to stay in the squad for the remainder of the campaign and could find himself back on the pitch if he continues to apply himself in training.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
‘Poor performance’, ‘Total waste’ – some fans criticise Nottingham Forest man despite 2-1 win
