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Opinion: Outcast could re-join Nottingham Forest first-team

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Image for Opinion: Outcast could re-join Nottingham Forest first-team

Zach Clough failed to secure a move away from Nottingham Forest this summer and is resigned to staying at the City Ground until January. The 24-year-old’s last appearance for Forest came all the way back in January 2018, but he could make a sensational return under Sabri Lamouchi this season.

The Reds’ lack of attacking depth could open the door to Clough to get minutes. Lamouchi has Lewis Grabban, Rafa Mir and Sammy Ameobi at his disposal, but Mir is the only forward that is used as backup while Grabban and Ameobi are likely to be regulars in the starting XI.

Lamouchi has overseen the departure of Hillal Soudani (Olympiacos), Daryl Murphy (released), Apostolos Vellios (Atromitos), Jason Cummings (Shrewsbury Town), Karim Ansarifard (Al Saliya) and Tyler Walker (loan to Lincoln City), so he could benefit from a new face coming in.

Clough has contributed seven goals in 31 games since joining Forest in January 2017, but he’ll need to work hard on the training ground to add to that tally. Reds legend Garry Birtles believes the Englishman is good enough to return to action.

He told Barry Cooper of Nottinghamshire Live: “It’s up to (Clough) to keep his head down in training and do his level best to try and show Sabri Lamouchi that he still has something to offer, that his effort, commitment and desire remain high.

“Maybe he needs an arm around his shoulder, a bit of belief put in him and you just never, ever know – I still believe he has something to offer at the City Ground, maybe Lamouchi will too.”

Clough’s future is in his own hands.

Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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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.