Peter: An Added Edge

Peter Grant believes the return to fitness of Steve Lomas and Bobby Zamora will bring an added edge to the competition for places in the side.

"It was good to see Lomy and Bobby back on Tuesday; games are important for them at this stage," he says.

"They will put pressure on the players in the side, knowing that there is quality behind them.

"We were on fire against Sheffield United at times recently and all of a sudden you look at the bench and there is a squad again - hopefully that competition will get an extra percentage out of the players.

"I still feel we are in second gear with the quality players we have got; the players have to demand more from themselves - we have got to show consistency."

Peter hopes that Sergei Rebrov is closer to full fitness as well, and explains:

"There is no doubt about his ability but like everyone one else he will be judged on performances.

"If you miss preseason you are always playing catch-up for a while but he showed bits of his qualities."

Looking at the win over Notts. County, Peter adds:

"They are always difficult games and we had made six changes so some guys were playing together for the first time.

"The first half was very average and the second half was just about okay - but nowhere near what we are capable of.

"You look at the two goals we conceded and see they were very poor - we work on things but it was a case of people not listening.

"We got through to the next round but there is not much more you can take performance-wise from it."

As for the trip to County's neighbours, Peter adds:

"I saw Forest and they have quality players - they have always had a reputation for the way they play.

"They can't get results for love nor money at the moment but that is not to say they are not playing well enough.

"They have terrific players who have been round the block; they have a good blend of experience and youth.

"It will be a very difficult game, there is no doubt about that, and we will have to play better than we did on Tuesday."

It will be an emotional day, with tributes being paid to Brian Clough, but Peter says:

"He had a fantastic managerial record but we have to concentrate on the game in hand."