Hughton lays down challenge to Forest ace Lolley
BOSS SAYS JOE’S FORM HAS BEEN ‘SPORADIC’ BUT BELIEVES HE CAN BE ASSET FOR REDS
AN in-form Joe Lolley still has the talent to be an asset for Nottingham Forest – but the winger has been challenged to hit the heights consistently.
Reds boss Chris Hughton says the 29-year-old is battling to overcome his “sporadic” form and get back to his best in the Garibaldi.
Lolley was hampered by injury last season and has featured only twice this term, most recently being sidelined with illness.
In front of the watching Hughton, he made his return to action this week when he netted a well-taken brace for Forest’s Under-23s in a 4-1 Premier League Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers.
He is in contention to make his first-team comeback on Sunday, at home against Cardiff City (2.30pm), with the target to reach the kind of levels which saw him crowned the club’s Player of the Year in 2019.
“That’s what he’s working hard for. And, of course, that is what we would like,” Hughton told the Nottingham Post.
“Joe’s form has been very sporadic.
“We’re all aware what Joe can produce but he’d be the first one to admit he hasn’t been able to get to those levels consistently.
“That’s what we’re working very hard for him to do.
“What will certainly help him is to go through a period of time now with no injuries and feeling good.
“A Joe Lolley feeling good and in good form is very much an asset for us.”
Lolley’s last run-out for the senior side was the 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth almost a month ago.
He was part of a strong Reds lineup for Andy Reid’s team against Blackburn, with the match played at Notts County’s Meadow Lane.
Defender Loic Mbe Soh was also included in the XI, having been out with a groin problem, along with the likes of Fin Back, Baba Fernandes, Jayden Richardson and Tyrese Fornah, who have been part of the firstteam set-up.
“I was really delighted to see the 23s playing at a higher level than what we were last year, because of being a Cat 1 academy,” said Hughton.
“We did have an opportunity to play some of the players who have been training or have been included in the first-team squad - and I hope going forward that can continue to be the case.
“I enjoyed the game.
“It was good for Joe. He’s missed a fair amount of games for us, and missed some of the pre-season as well.
“It was certainly good for him to play, and the goals were very much an added bonus.
“I’d like to think we can help supplement the 23s with the younger players who have played with us, and the occasional more experienced player who perhaps is not getting the game time he would like.”