Mcparland: Lively Dobie

Nottingham Forest striker Scott Dobie will finally make his return to action in the reserves on Wednesday after six months on the sidelines.

The Scot’s injury nightmare will end when he turns out for the Reds’ reserves against Shrewsbury’s second-string.

Dobie, who cost £525,000 from West Brom in 2005, has managed just three goals from 17 starts since joining Colin Caldwerood’s side after a persistent hip injury forced him to travel to America for specialist treatment.

But the 27-year-old has made encouraging progress since returning to training in recent weeks after being ruled out since February.

Forest coach Ian McParland told the club’s official website: ‘The plan is for Scott to play 20 minutes at the end of Thursday’s reserve game and if he comes through that without any problems we can look for him to get longer in next week’s reserve game.

‘We’ve got to remember he has been out for a long time but he’s been lively in training and is looking forward to getting back on the field.’