Boss Steve Cooper praised Nottingham Forest’s medical team as defender Joe Worrall made a surprise early return from injury in the 4-1 thumping of Leicester City.
The centre-back broke three ribs against Millwall on January 15, and was expected to be sidelined for about six weeks.
Less than a month later, though, he captained the Reds and got on the scoresheet as the holders were dumped out of the FA Cup in embarrassing fashion.
Winger Joe Lolley was also included on the bench, having been out of action since November with a knee problem.
“It’s great to have them back,” said head coach Cooper, whose team now host Huddersfield Town in the fifth round of the competition.
“The medical team did an amazing job on a cast that protected the area (of Worrall’s ribs). And he’s a quick healer is Joe.
“As soon as there was a sniff of him being able to play then you have to play him, otherwise he gets the hump!
“It’s great to see him back, and he did so well.
“He’s a fit boy and he hadn’t had that long out, so we were happy just to stick him back in and get the 90 minutes.”
Striker Sam Surridge came off the bench to make his debut in the Garibaldi, following his move from Stoke City on Monday.
There was no place in the matchday squad for fellow deadline day arrival Jonathan Panzo, however, with Forest planning to ease him into action.
“He hasn’t played too much football and he’s been through a bit of a whirlwind move,” Cooper said of the former Dijon defender.
“I know we saw Sam today, but Sam has just come from down the road and was very much into the rhythm.
“Jon is going to get up to speed, but his time will come.”
