Nottingham Forest player full of praise for Reds teammate
Chris Wood came off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner against Sheffield United, bagging his first goal for the club since the 1-1 draw against Manchester City last season.
The former Newcastle United striker has been struggling with injuries in recent times but produced a moment of brilliance as his perfectly directed header secured a valuable three points for Steve Cooper’s side.
It is safe to say that the 31-year-old has had his fair share of critics since his permanent move to the City Ground this summer, but last night was a great way to silence many.
He has been a model professional throughout his stint at the club. He might not have been given the minutes he was expecting, but he’s always put in the work when given the opportunity instead of causing a scene, unlike some other Forest first-team members…
Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham after the game last night, match-winner Wood was full of praise for Serge Aurier after his Man of the Match performance.
“He’s fantastic, he’s a fantastic player with great quality. He’s played in the highest leagues throughout his career.
“He delivered one for T [Taiwo Awoniyi] in the first half superbly and he did all the hard work with me for my goal because he put the pace on the ball. All I had to do at that stage was guide it in.
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George Baldock missed Sheffield United’s defeat at Nottingham Forest on Friday night with a “slight issue” to his calf that was not worth risking, boss Paul Heckingbottom revealed, with fellow wing-back Jayden Bogle closing in on a return to training.
The Greek international was a notable absentee from the teamsheet at the City Ground, with former Forest man Ben Osborn – a left-footed midfielder by trade – filling in admirably at right wing-back on his former stomping ground.
With Manchester City next up at Bramall Lane, United will be keen to ensure Baldock is fit enough to take on the treble winners and Heckingbottom explained: “George had a slight problem with his calf that we didn’t want to risk. Jayden has missed all pre-season but hopefully he’ll be back in training next week.
“With him not ready to play we didn’t want to take a risk with George and potentially lose him until after the international break.”
Oli McBurnie did not feature on the teamsheet despite returning to training, while Vinicius Souza and Benie Traore were withdrawn after suffering cramp. “Oli trained in the week,” Heckingbottom added. “He’s another one who missed pre-season. As you normally get, there’s stiffness and soreness and he said I’ve waited this long so I’ll wait another game.”
Max Lowe, who has been carrying an ankle injury since pre-season, was withdrawn at half-time while Anis Slimane also missed out. “Anis has a slight problem with his hamstring,” the Blades boss said. “Nothing serious, just something we’ll have to manage until it settles down.”
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