Former Nottingham Forest manager Paul Hart still believes his old club have enough to stay in the Premier League.
The Reds have not won in six games, taking two points out of 18 in the process, after losing 2-1 to Newcastle on Friday in the final game before the international break. That leaves them 16th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone with four points separating 12th placed Crystal Palace and bottom of the table Southampton.
Despite a dip in form which includes an end to a nine match unbeaten run at home, Hart says Forest can still avoid relegation.
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"I think Nottingham Forest are doing very well. I've got to be honest. They're fortunate to have a manager like Steve Cooper," he told the Garibaldi Red podcast.
"It's a terrible, terrible season the first in the Premier League. We've seen Norwich, Fulham and clubs like that find it very hard.
"Nottingham Forest will find it hard but I've got a feeling they have enough to crack it.
"When we (Hart and Nathan Jones) went back to Luton two and a half years ago we looked dead and buried in the Championship but stayed up easily. It's about targeting games.
"You've got to be honest and look at where you can get a point from. How do you set up to get a point? I think there's enough below us that will struggle as well.
"I don't know whether 36 or 38 points will be enough but that area is where we need to be pitching."
If Forest are to target games then the next one - at home to Wolves after the international break - looks increasingly must win. Hart says Reds boss Cooper will not let that mentality and subsequent pressure seep through to the players.
"I don't think you talk about must win games to players in that respect," he said. "Mental strength in these situations is not all about the manager. Steve won't be creating a situation around the club that is nervy or puts it on edge. He'll be giving them the tools to get a point or three points.
"Whatever is necessary. Southampton, Bournemouth, Everton - there's other clubs struggling. If I were a Palace player I'd be worrying. I found that a strange parting of the ways with Patrick Vieira.
"I'd be worried because who are they going to bring in? Lots of clubs have problems."
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