Opinion: Midfielder returns for Nottingham Forest, could have one last chance under Lamouchi
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Liam Bridcutt is expected to leave Nottingham Forest this summer after falling down the pecking order under Aitor Karanka and Martin O’Neill last season, but the midfielder may have one last chance to save his Forest career following Sabri Lamouchi’s arrival.
After returning to training, Bridcutt was given a 45-minute appearance in Lamouchi’s first game in charge, resulting in a 2-1 win over Alfreton Town. If he can remain in and around the first-team for more pre-season games, there’s a chance he could earn his spot back in the senior squad.
The 30-year-old made only four appearances in all competitions last season and spent the majority of the 2018/19 campaign with the u23s. Bridcutt impressed for Forest’s reserves, often times in front of O’Neill, but it wasn’t enough to bring him back into the first-team.
Ipswich Town and Peterborough United have been linked with move for the Scotland international, but there’s been no progress made from initial speculation which raises uncertainty over whom Bridcutt could join if he left Forest. It’s worth noting he still has a year left on his deal at the City Ground.
Lamouchi may want to use pre-season as a chance to look at every player in the squad before making decisions on who’s worth keeping.