Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan has backed Steve Cooper's decision to scale back Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo's involvement in the first team.
Scarpa, 29, has featured once in the last five games as he started in the 2-0 defeat to Fulham, while Danilo, 21, has played once in four when he started against Manchester City.
Both were not in the squad which drew 2-2 with Everton at the weekend, although Cooper has not yet confirmed if the pair were left out for injury, tactical or personal reasons.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest told transfer stance as manager confirms high-level talks
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest sent 'mouths shut' warning amid divided referee reaction
Speaking on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast, McGugan said it was a huge challenge for two midfielders to come to England directly from Brazilian football - as they did in the winter - and perform well immediately.
Instead, he believes they might benefit from a watching brief with Forest in a Premier League relegation battle.
"You have to look at the bigger picture with them. Maybe with Scarpa, he's a bit more experienced, but you have to look at what they're coming into. It's a relegation fight," he said.
"First and foremost, Nottingham Forest are trying to stay in the league. We aren't having loads of possession or dominating. It's very scrappy.
"Two Brazilian players have come in from the other side of the world to a team playing in a way they aren't used to. You've got to look at putting in the time to bed them in.
"I don't think right now is the right time in my honest opinion. Next season, if we stay up hopefully then you have another six months with them in the country and a full pre-season. It will be a big pre-season to understand a bit more and be more comfortable.
"Come August the weather is better and that will help them. All these little ingredients help. You have to do the right thing by the player as well and see the human side. There's a lot to consider off the pitch as well not just on it.
"They're moving half way round the world and we're expecting them to hit the ground running. A lot of players struggle to do that moving an hour or two down the road.
"You've got to look at the little things and the timing that's best for them. At this moment, I don't think it's the best time to be putting them in. I watched Danilo in the first half against Leeds and thought he really struggled with the pace of the game.
"That can happen and maybe Steve Cooper has pulled him out to look from the side. Sometimes players need that and the next time he gets back in, he'll be better for that."
Should Scarpa and Danilo be in the starting XI? Have your say in the comments section below
READ NEXT:
- Nottingham Forest preparing refereeing complaint as hopeful injury update issued
Former Nottingham Forest midfielder issues appeal to Steve Cooper over major Reds problem
Nottingham Forest tipped to 'reach high in the future' as they build an identity
Nottingham Forest vs Everton penalty controversy addressed amid VAR claim
