REDS BORROW BARROW BOY

Doug delight at securing Modou loan

DOUGIE Freedman says he was not about to miss out on Modou Barrow for a second time after snapping the winger up on loan for Nottingham Forest.

Freedman tried to sign the 22year-old last summer when he was managing Bolton, but cash-strapped Trotters couldn’t afford the deal.

Barrow went on to sign for Premier League side Swansea, but when Freedman heard the Dutchman was available temporarily he moved fast.

“I had him on trial at Bolton for ten days in pre-season and he really impressed me,” said the Forest boss. “Unfortunately we couldn’t get the finances together. A couple of months later, not to my surprise, he went to Swansea.

“When the opportunity came up to sign him I had no hesitation to move in very quick on it.”

The 22-year-old Gambia-born winger joined the Swans from Swedish club Ostersunds last September. He has made nine appearances for the Welsh side this season but his only Premier League start came against Sunderland at the Liberty Stadium on February 7.

“He’s mobile, he’s quick, he’s got a wonderful left foot,” added Freedman. “He’s a really exciting young player who wants to do well in this country.”

However, Freedman’s hopes of adding extra firepower to his squad for a late assault on the Championship play-off places suffered a blow when he was knocked back in an approach for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes.

The Reds wanted to bring the 25year-old in on loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

“I made a phone call to (Blackburn manager) Gary Bowyer and he was very open and honest with me,” said Freedman. “He told me he’s not going to come on loan so that was the end of the conversation.”

Meanwhile, Forest midfielder Andy Reid has admitted that he is unlikely to play again this season as his injury nightmare rumbles on.The 32-year-old has been sidelined since last September by a groin injury.

“I’m on a new rehab programme and it’s under constant review, but the games are running out,” said Reid.