It didn’t take Jack Colback long to get stuck into the action on Sunday. The Nottingham Forest midfielder had been on the pitch for a matter of minutes when he launched into a challenge - and emerged with the ball, naturally.
A great roar erupted around the City Ground. It was just what the Reds needed, having been on the back foot for much of the previous 45 minutes.
Colback was the perfect man to call upon in that situation, and, as ever, he didn’t let his team down. “It’s Colback, you know” rang out more than once as the 33-year-old put in a heck of a shift in the second half.
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Steve Cooper’s decision to bring him and Serge Aurier on at the break made a difference. Forest were better as a result; they had more of a grip on the game.
That’s what Colback brings. Commitment, control and a cool head.
There is a decision to be made about what happens next, come the summer. The former Newcastle United man will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Some might question the wisdom of considering offering him a new deal, given his age and his lack of starts. But he is doing a fine job of convincing otherwise.
Whenever he has played this season, he has been excellent. At times when the Reds have been under the cosh, he has come on and helped steady the ship. He gives his all and gets on with the unglamorous business of doing some of the dirty work.
A true professional, his influence extends beyond the pitch, too. He is a key figure in the dressing room, with his experience and nous proving valuable. He showed that against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, when he calmly steered Renan Lodi away from the away end before his taunting of the away fans went too far, following success in the penalty shootout.
Cooper had been keen to keep on Lewis Grabban for similar reasons, only for the striker to turn down the offer of fresh terms last year. It would be no surprise if he believes it is the right call to do the same with Colback.
If Forest retain their Premier League status, they will want to make signings in the summer to help them kick on again. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has already shown he will back his head coach in the transfer market.
The Reds have recruited well, with some well-established names alongside young talent such as Danilo. They will want to improve the squad further. But what Colback has to offer shouldn't be forgotten.
It might yet be that he can still have a role to play beyond the next few months. If so, he will have earnt it.
Should Forest offer Colback a new deal? Have your say in the comments below
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