Boss Steve Cooper eased injury fears over Cheikou Kouyate following Nottingham Forest’s Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town.
The summer signing was handed his full debut for the Reds as part of a completely different XI at Blundell Park, compared to that which had started against Everton on Saturday. And he put in an excellent performance in the visitors’ 3-0 victory.
However, Kouyate, who had been at the centre of a three-man back line, was brought off in the second half. He had twice gone to ground and required treatment in the game, but Cooper dismissed any worries he had picked up a knock.
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“He played for longer than we had planned, really. He was excellent in the game and showed the complete experienced player that he is," Cooper said.
“But to be honest, we didn’t want to play him for as long as we did. But the way the second half was going, we left him on a little bit longer, just to manage that bit of a storm - which it was, with the long throws and us not quite managing the momentum as we should have.
“We just needed him for a little bit longer. But then we had to get him off.
“He’s not injured. It’s just where he’s at physically.
“Saturday, he came on and looked really good in the end of the game at Everton. We just really needed his calmness and experience today. For him, it’s great to play for his new club, but also great for him to get his first start under his belt this season as well.”
Forest triumphed over the Mariners thanks to a superb strike from Ryan Yates and an excellent brace from Sam Surridge. Victory sends them into the third round of the competition.
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