Steve Cooper says Jesse Lingard will be 'important' for Nottingham Forest this season but urged his side to do more following the defeat at Newcastle United.
The Reds fell to a 2-0 defeat at St James' Park after struggling to get going in the game, with Cooper handing several debuts having welcomed 12 new signings to his squad this summer. The squad may take some time to gel together after playing as a new-look team for the first time in the Premier League opener.
Former Manchester United star Lingard featured for the entire 90 minutes, though he was short of the ball in some occasions. As the Reds now focus on hosting West Ham United at the City Ground next weekend, Cooper highlighted the importance of the 29-year-old this season, with his experience in the top-flight being crucial.
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"I haven’t got a problem with our attitude and commitment. We looked OK physically and never gave in," Cooper said. "Jesse Lingard was an example of the team [in that regard].
"He worked hard and did his best but, as a team, we didn’t get the ball to him or get enough bodies around him. He showed glimpses of his ability. He will be important for us going forward, we just need to be better with the ball."
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