Nottingham Forest legend Garry Birtles says Taiwo Awoniyi should be the first name on Steve Cooper's teamsheet until the World Cup.
Awoniyi got the only goal in Saturday's surprise win against Liverpool, his third of the season since a then-club record summer move from Union Berlin.
The former Liverpool striker has struggled to cement a regular starting place at Forest with Cooper trying to prove a front three without a focal point can work. European Cup winner Birtles says Awoniyi needs to start all three games before the break for the World Cup though after scoring on the rebound when his initial effort from Steve Cook's cross came back off the post.
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"It was a thoroughly deserved win. I was at the Wolves game and it was such a hard commentary to do because nothing really happened. I was watching three upfront with no movement," he said on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast.
"The transformation Steve made on Saturday was incredible. It just shows what can happen with a striker upfront - and what a nuisance he can be by the way.
"He makes it difficult for defenders. He reminded me of Keinan Davis last season making life difficult for Van Dijk.
"He's rough around the edges but strikers need consistency more than anyone in selection terms. It's a sharpness thing. I'd love to see him get a run, get his Premier League fitness. I think Brennan needed a break.
"He'd had a lot of unfair stick as he never shirks anything but the responsibility he has as a striker is big and it's not ease to have that pressure as a 21-year-old.
"Awoniyi is an outlet, he's an awkward customer. If you ask van Dijk if he had an enjoyable game on Saturday, he'll say no. He's direct and defenders hate that. I was really impressed with what he saw.
"The work from Cook for the goal was tremendous. The first touch is a striker's one. He played into a dangerous straight away. When you get in that area put it where your teammates should be. He did that.
"Awoniyi hit the post but he was there to follow it up. That's instinctive. Awoniyi wins his share of headers, or he makes sure it's not a clean header for the defender. That means you can pick up second balls and Yates was ready for that.
"That is a massive difference, believe me. He needs a chance to prove he can make a difference. Awoniyi right now, he'd be the first name on my team sheet."
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