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Opinion: Martin O’Neill must start 25-year-old against Sheff Wed, defender should be dropped

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Image for Opinion: Martin O’Neill must start 25-year-old against Sheff Wed, defender should be dropped

Ben Osborn underperformed in Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 defeat at Rotherham United and could lose his place against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday evening. Martin O’Neill may consider making changes to his side due to Forest’s poor run of form, and Osborn should be one of the first to go. Jack Robinson is waiting in the wings and has been a reliable defender to call upon.

The 25-year-old, who can operate at both left-back and centre-back, has made 35 appearances in all competitions since joining Forest on a free transfer from Queens Park Rangers last summer, scoring and creating four goals. He’s only featured once in the Championship since March 2, however, and has been an unused substitute in Forest’s last two outings.

In the league, Robinson has made 33 appearances, 131 clearances, won 105 aerial duels (55%), blocked nine shots and 17 crosses, has averaged 36 passes-per-game with 75% and has averaged a tackle (68) or interception (37) every 26 minutes. Despite the lack of playing time in recent weeks, the Englishman could be in line to start against Wednesday.

Osborn has played in a variety of roles for Forest, but he’s looked suspect at left-back and might benefit from being taken out of the spotlight. The Reds’ playoff hopes are fading, so will O’Neill make a change?

Crippy Cooke’s previous article

Statistics reveal if Martin O’Neill or Aitor Karanka has a better record at Nottingham Forest

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.