NOTTINGHAM Forest legend Kenny Burns said he found it difficult to swallow the way the Reds surrendered a two-goal lead against local rivals Derby County.

Chris Cohen and Nathan Tyson gave the Reds the perfect start before Rob Hulse, Paul Green and Kris Commons completed a dramatic fightback to win 3-2 at the City Ground last night.

Burns was watching on in this fourth round replay and Forest will now miss out on a mouth-watering fifth round tie with Manchester United.

But double European Cup winner Burns said the Reds needed a leader to steer them to victory last night.

He said: "It is a massive disappointment. They started well, scored from a well-worked corner and then the penalty.

"You have to ask, should the keeper have been sent off? Maybe he should. But either way, they are 2-0 up and to lose from there is criminal.

"I cannot accept it and for me it was the manner of the defeat.

"Forest should never have lost that match and that is where they are missing a leader out on the pitch, someone to dominate proceedings. That is what is missing.

"Look at Robbie Savage for Derby, he has never been a footballer but he ran the show. He simply kept the ball moving and bossed the midfield.

"We had players playing the ball back too often rather than getting it forward.

"I accept there are only kids on the bench but it is about the 11 playing and for me there is enough experience out there to ensure they never should never have lost that game after getting into such a good position.

"Rob Hulse in the last two matches has been great for them, chesting things down and holding it up, not to mention two goals. Forest have been too nice to him, someone needs to get nasty, stick the boot in.

"It needs something. Billy Davies is no fool, he knows he has a massive job on his hands.

"Forest have done well to get out of the bottom three, but they are only three points clear of the drop zone and can easily be pulled back in.

"The last two games have demonstrated they need to add players in various positions. For whatever reason that did not happen before the transfer window closed. But surely men must be landed on loan now."

And Burns said the young players there now must listen and follow Davies instructions to help Forest move clear of trouble.

"Last night they could have gone for it, frustrated Derby more and won the game," said Burns.

"Now they have to pick themselves up for QPR on Saturday and it is up to the players now.

"If they want to play their own game, they will struggle. They have to play the way Davies want them to, follow his instructions.

"If they do, they will succeed. If they do not listen, they will soon be on the way out.

"But after this big disappointment, it is imperative they pick themselves up quickly."