FOR Forest fans, the signing of a former England international can only inspire optimism.

After all, it is not exactly a regular occurrence at the City Ground these days.

But, for me, the most exciting thing is not just the capture of Nicky Shorey, but the demonstration of intent that his arrival represents.

Because you just sense that there is a realisation among the hierarchy at the club that something special could be on the horizon.

If they invest in the right areas in January, Billy Davies' side could challenge for a place in the Premiership.

I am serious. I look at the Championship table and I don't see many teams that are head and shoulders above everyone else.

What I see are perhaps 10 or even 12 teams who are capable of challenging for the play-offs.

And Forest are very definitely one of those teams.

But I use the words team very intentionally because while, if Forest could pick their best starting XI every week, there would not be a problem, that is never going to happen.

And there is a very big difference between having a good team and having a good squad.

As things stand, Forest do not have quite the strength in depth that is required to see them through to the end of the season.

But, if they can add three or even four more players of the quality of Shorey in the January window, then I would personally feel very, very positive about their chances.

And, critically, it seems Nigel Doughty shares my opinion.

Don't get me wrong, I would never accuse the chairman of being tight or of failing to back the club financially.

Much of the time, I don't believe he gets the credit he deserves from some fans.

But there is no doubt that he was stung by what happened under David Platt, when he put his faith in the manager's ability to unearth quality players.

And ultimately found that he did not have the ability to unearth quality players.

Instead of which Platt lavished a fortune of the chairman's cash, largely on a trio of Italians who never made the grade.

But you cannot say the same about Davies.

In the summer, Forest probably spent a good £8m or £9m in the transfer market.

But they invested the money wisely.

Paul McKenna was the bargain of the summer. He is the type of player that every good side needs, if they want to be a success.

He does the unglamorous work that allows the rest of the team to tick.

I actually fear what might happen if he gets injured, he is that important to the side.

Then you have Dexter Blackstock, whose abilities I praised only last week. He is the all round Championship striker.

Raddy Majewski will only get more valuable as his abilities become more finely honed.

Lee Camp is one of the best keepers at this level, Paul Anderson is another player with vast potential and David McGoldrick is a hugely intelligent player.

In Chris Gunter they have a Premiership quality full-back – and in Shorey they now have a man who can compliment him equally on the opposite flank.

And, on top of that, the club are still targeting Gareth Bale, the Spurs left back – who could also play in midfield.

To sign Bale and Shorey would, possibly, cost at least £5m or £6m in total, which is a big investment.

If the midfielder and the central defender Forest are also looking at are of similar quality, you could be looking at another £9m spend.

But, if he is willing to make that kind of vast sum, then Doughty just might get the reward his backing deserves.

With a place in the Premiership.