Head coach Steve Cooper believes increased competition for places as injured players return to fitness can give Nottingham Forest an edge in the run-in.
The Reds have had to contend with a significant number of absentees throughout this season, presenting an additional challenge in their battle for Premier League survival. However, a number of those who have been sidelined for long spells are steadily edging towards making their comebacks.
Ryan Yates is among those to have been out of action for a spell, due to illness. He has come off the bench in the last couple of games and played 60 minutes for the Under-21s earlier this week - a test he came through fine.
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Meanwhile, Moussa Niakhate was in the match squad against Tottenham Hotspur for the first time since August and Cheikhou Kouyate has been joining in training. It is hoped the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Dean Henderson won’t be too far away from returning after the international break.
"He came through OK,” Cooper said of Yates’ start on Monday. “It was part of his return to play process that he's had to follow.
"Yatesy loved it, playing for the 21s! He was buzzing to go play and was even more buzzing when he came back.
"That was the next stage of his return to Premier League starts. He's on course.
"It's been a bit of a different situation. We're respecting that process, so let's keep going until he's absolutely ready to start for us."
"One thing that is good about some of the guys returning to training is that there is a lot of fire in the belly of a lot of the players, because they want an opportunity or they can feel someone right behind them ready to take their shirt. I think that's good," Cooper added.
Cooper hasn’t ruled out Brennan Johnson being available to face Newcastle United on Friday night after he suffered a groin strain against Spurs, although it is “unlikely” the Wales international will feature. It is hoped back-up goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey will be available, after he was forced to withdraw from being on the bench last weekend due to a knee problem.
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