LAM WARY OF BORO BATTLE
SABRI LAMOUCHI says Nottingham Forest need to show “personality and character” at the Riverside tomorrow night if they are to prove their promotion credentials.
The City Ground chief warned his players that Boro were unlucky to go down 1-0 at home to Leeds United last week.
And he believes Forest will struggle to exert the same control over Jonathan Woodgate’s side that they managed against Cardiff City in last Tuesday’s 1-0 victory.
He said: “We controlled the game against Cardiff – I’m not sure we will be able to do that against Middlesbrough.
“They are fighting for points – they disturbed Leeds a lot and deserved to score which would have given them a point.
“They play with personality and character – so we will need to play with more personality and character than they do.
“We will need to increase our levels.
“It’s a Monday night game and it is live on television.
“Boro need the points and they will be very determined.”
Meanwhile, Lamouchi also praised the impact of veteran defender Michael Dawson and urged the club’s owners to tie him to a fresh deal.
The former Spurs and Hull City centrehalf, 36, is out of contract in the summer and the French boss has been impressed by what he has seen.
He said: “I could talk about Michael every day – he’s a fantastic player and a fantastic man.
“I was a player but I’ve never played with anyone like him. It’s his passion.
“If I was the owner I would keep him for now – and for the future.
“He needs to do something with the club.
“It’s important for his life after football – but also for the club.”