Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper faces some tough selection decisions for Monday night’s FA Cup clash against Huddersfield Town.
After a “physically demanding” 1-1 draw at Sheffield United on Friday night, the Welshman must weigh up whether to give a few of his players a breather in the fifth round tie.
Cooper has generally stuck with a settled group throughout his time in charge, as he looks to build momentum in results and performances.
And perhaps his biggest dilemma will be over whether to restore goalkeeper Brice Samba to the starting XI, following his three-match suspension, with Ethan Horvath having impressed in his absence.
Defender Max Lowe is also available again, having been ineligible to feature against the Blades. His inclusion means choosing between Jack Colback, Ryan Yates and James Garner for the two midfield slots - or playing the latter in a more advanced role, which would involve leaving out one of the attacking players.
“That’s the life of a head coach, making those decisions. I’d rather have those dilemmas than not,” said Cooper.
“You’re always upsetting players with the teams you pick, because everybody wants to play. Certainly, at the moment everybody wants to play, which is a good thing.
“The more decisions we have to make on that front, the better. And we’ve certainly got them at the moment.
“It’s still early after Friday’s game, so we’ll see how we are. It was a demanding game physically, there’s no doubt about that. Looking at the stats this morning, it was a high-running game.
“We’ll see how the boys have recovered today and tomorrow, and try to get the right team out on Monday.”
Samba will be as keen to play as anyone, having had to sit out three big league matches. But Cooper says the shot-stopper has put his efforts into training in the meantime.
“Brice has been fine. He’s been training well. There’s been no problems there,” he added.
“I think all of the players who don’t start games are frustrated, it doesn’t make it any different because you play in a different position.
“Everybody is keen to play at the moment.”
