Karim Ansarifard has struggled for form and playing time since joining Nottingham Forest on a free transfer last November, with the 28-year-old failed to score in his five Championship appearances. It’s worth noting he’s only been handed 41 minutes of football in the English second tier due to stiff competition in attack from Lewis Grabban and Daryl Murphy, but his fortunes could turn in the coming weeks.
Ansarifard is currently on international duty with Iran for the 2019 Asian Cup. His side recently booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition, beating China 3-0 in the quarters. Ansarifard even got himself on the scoresheet, coming off the bench to finish an effort low into the back of the net after being put through one-on-one. If Martin O’Neill was paying attention, he’d be delighted with the striker’s contribution.
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Forest have struggled to put the ball into the back of the net in recent weeks – failing to score in four of their last five games in all competitions – so Ansarifard may be rewarded for his international form with a recall to the first-team when the tournament comes to a close. Iran face Japan on January 28 and will face either Qatar or UAE/Australia in the final on February 1 if they win.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Manager reveals 27-year-old has ‘not been approached’ by Nottingham Forest
