Head coach Steve Cooper has backed Joe Lolley to have a big part to play for Nottingham Forest in the season’s run-in.
The winger has found game time hard to come by since the turn of the year, with injury problems and illness having hampered him earlier in the season. Wednesday night’s appearance from off the bench was only his second run-out of 2022.
But Lolley put in an impressive display when he replaced Scott McKenna in the 79th minute against QPR, making a key contribution to the Reds’ 3-1 win as he helped set up the third goal. Fellow substitutes Sam Surridge and Cafu also caught the eye while helping to turn the game in the hosts’ favour.
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With some key players out injured and a packed fixture list after the international break, Cooper has stressed the importance of his squad. And he says Lolley’s “time will come” as Forest chase a top-six spot in the decisive final weeks of the campaign.
Asked about the impact of his substitutions against Rangers, the Welshman said: “Credit to the boys. Credit to the players. And credit to the coaches for how we try to prepare the team.
“It happened at the weekend, with Cafu, Sam and Xande (Silva) against Reading. And again, they did well.
“Cafu should have scored. Sam’s put the ball in. In the end, Cafu has set it back to Brennan (Johnson).
“I thought Joe Lolley was good. I had a good chat with Joe before the game. Let’s not forget about him and what part he may have to play going forward.
“Of course, 100 percent he can have a big part to play. Everybody can. We’ve got eight games in April, we’re going to need everybody.
“You see Toby (Figueiredo) coming in. You see Cafu coming in - on Saturday, particularly.
“I thought Joe was excellent. He’ll be ready, he’ll be ready. And his time will come here, definitely.”
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The hosts had fallen behind in the first half at the City Ground, as Andre Gray gave QPR the lead. But they hit back through a Djed Spence rocket and goals from Ryan Yates and Johnson.
