Forest take stock after cup efforts

NOTTINGHAM Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo admits he must assess his squad ahead of the visit of Newcastle United, following their grueling FA Cup fourthround replay win over Bristol City.

Forest host Eddie Howe’s Magpies on Saturday night but must do so after 120 minutes of midweek action against Liam Manning’s Championship side, which saw the tie end all square at 1-1 after 90 minutes and then extra-time. Forest ran out winners on penalties, with goalkeeper Matt Turner the hero as he saved Sam Bell’s effort in the shootout.

Nuno insists their efforts were worth it, with Manchester United coming to the City Ground in the FA Cup fifth round, but he must now prepare his weary troops to face a Newcastle side who have won their last three away from St James’ Park.

“We are so happy, it was tough but it was worth it,” Nuno said. “We had players struggling, extra time, let’s assess them now and see how they are. With players that have been out for so long it is tough, but it was the best possible way to manage the situation we are in now, trying to protect players that are returning, we have to measure the minutes they are on the pitch.

“The response was good. It was tough, but the attitude and the character to never give up makes me very, very happy.

“This is the FA Cup, it is so special and that is why we are so happy and proud to keep continuing and fighting for something that is so huge for us, to fight for a trophy.

“It is going to be fantastic and huge for us but before that we have a lot of things to prepare. We have a tough one on Saturday.”