According to BBC Sport, Matty Cash is still an injury doubt for Nottingham Forest ahead of Monday’s meeting with Derby County. The right-sided midfielder has been struggling with an achilles problem and hasn’t played since February 9.
Cash has missed games against West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End in recent weeks and may not be passed fit to face the Rams. In his absence, O’Neill named a midfield of Ryan Yates, Ben Osborne and Jack Colback against Preston, with Joe Lolley given an attacking-midfield role.
The 21-year-old has made 27 Championship appearances this season, scoring six goals. When fit, he’s been a regular under both Aitor Karanka and O’Neill, but now there’s stiff competition for places which means his place in the side is no longer guaranteed.
Yates has impressed of late and is unlikely to be dropped. There’s also the matter of what to do with Ben Watson. The midfielder was rested against Preston and could in line for a return on Monday. Osborn, Colback and Yates haven’t given O’Neill a reason to replace them, so the trio should start against Derby.
Cash may have to be content with a backup role.
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Out-of-favour Nottingham Forest trio get valuable game time ahead of Derby clash
