Forest’s ready to grow again

GARY DRAWS HOPE

CARETAKER boss Gary Brazil reckons Nottingham Forest’s grit and determination can soon have them climbing the table under a new manager.

Brazil stepped in for Mark Warburton, who was sacked on New Year’s Eve after just nine months in charge and a run of only one win in seven games.

But Brazil is sure that if Forest’s players can replicate the manner in which they stood up to Leeds, then the Warburton’s replacement will have plenty to work with.

He said: “It’s a performance that shows this group of players want to do really well for the football club.

“To a man, the application and attitude of the players was top drawer. We could have been a little bit better in possession at times but the work-rate was exemplary.

“It’s not easy and it’s not a nice industry at times but we have to be professional. We spoke to the players and made it clear that, whatever had gone on, we had to be professional.”

Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen claimed his side’s performance merited a victory, despite only forcing goalkeeper Jordan Smith into one difficult save when Pablo Hernandez’s shot was blocked six minutes from time.

“I believe that we deserved to take the three points,” said Christiansen. “We created very big opportunities, but if you don’t score, then you don’t get the win.

“We did almost everything perfect, but that’s football.”

Leeds picked up seven points from a possible 12 over the Christmas period, with defeat at bottom-placed Birmingham on December 30 the only low spot.

Christiansen added: “The players responded in a good way from the Birmingham match, I liked our performance. But it was still not enough.

“I would always like to take points from all our games but in general, knowing the programme we’ve had and that all teams have the same, I think we have done well.

“We could have picked up more but maybe we could have not got all three points against Hull (a 1-0 win). This is the difficulty this league has – you can lose against the last and win against the first.”

It was hard to make a case for either side to win. In the first half Leeds striker Kemar Roofe came closest as he hooked over from inside the six-yard box after Liam Cooper’s header had been parried by Smith.

The visitors’ main threat in the opening 45 minutes came through the enterprising play of Barrie McKay, Matthew Cash and Ben Brereton, but none of them could fashion a clear opportunity.

Roofe had a chance for the hosts 10 minutes into the second half, Samuel Saiz setting him up superbly, however the exOxford star blazed against the bar.

Forest had a spell of pressure midway through the second half which forced Leeds keeper Felix Wiedwald into action but the German was always comfortable.

Hernandez could have snatched it, having been fed by the impressive Saiz, but saw his shot blocked by Smith.