Head coach Steve Cooper has underlined Serge Aurier’s importance to Nottingham Forest amid talks over a new deal for the defender.
The right-back penned a one-year contract when he joined the Reds as a free agent in September, having left Villarreal. Since then, he has become a regular in the first XI and has also proved to be a big influence in the dressing room.
Aurier is now facing a spell on the sidelines with a calf strain, after being forced off late on in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. But he has confirmed discussions have been held with the club about extending his stay at the City Ground - something, it seems, Cooper would welcome.
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“We’re very happy with Serge. We enjoy working with him. He’s had a real positive influence, both on and off the pitch,” said the Welshman, ahead of this Saturday’s clash against West Ham United.
“He’s really brought what you’d hope a player of his experience would bring, in terms of where he’s been and what he’s done. He’s ended up being a big part of our culture, Serge.
“It’s disappointing he’s not available. But what I do know is that we are really enjoying working with him.
“With regards contract situations, it’s not something I get too much involved in, particularly when we’re preparing for games. Obviously, I’m aware of stuff, but we’re all just focused on trying to win an away game this week.
“We’re very happy with him. He seems happy as well - I hope. I speak to players a lot, and it’s all been positive conversations, in terms of his day to day stuff.
“We’re really happy with Serge; really happy. But he, like us, is just focused on trying to make this season a successful one.”
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