A Clough style fear factor can help inspire Nottingham Forest, says Jonathan Greening

A BRIAN Clough style 'fear factor' can inspire Nottingham Forest to maintain their resurgence in form, says Jonathan Greening.

The Reds have claimed seven points from three games since Billy Davies returned for a second spell as manager.

And Greening believes the Scotsman has provided the perfect motivation for them to maintain that run at Hillsborough today.

During the club's halcyon days under Clough, many former Reds stars have spoken about how they would bust a gut just to receive a simple thumbs-up from the legendary boss.

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And Greening says the current crop of Forest stars are also motivated to earn a pat on the back from Davies – and to avoid an ear-bashing.

"I can understand that (Clough) mentality," said Greening. "Even at my age, you just want to be on the top of your game, just so you get a 'well done' from the manager.

"You certainly want him to be shouting that, rather than swearing at you and asking you what you think you are doing!

"Even at my age, there is a fear factor about it now.

"The manager is there through the whole training session, pushing you on, trying to make you better.

"Even at my age, you don't want to let the manager down in training, with a sloppy pass or piece of play.

"You want to be on your A-game, getting things right.

"There is maybe a bit of fear factor about the squad now. We know we have to be right on it, even in training.

"We have to be on top of our game, otherwise he will let you know about it."

Greening believes the high standards demanded by Davies on the training ground have been integral to the unbeaten start to his tenure.

"He can give you a little earache, but he has high standards and we are a club that has aspirations of returning to the Premier League," said the midfielder.

"You have to train with the same intensity as you would play with on a Saturday.

"In the last two or three weeks, training has been immense. I believe that has been reflected by our performances on the pitch."

Greening, who has a year left on his Forest contract, has been told by Davies that he has a part to play at the club, after largely being frozen out under Sean O'Driscoll and Alex McLeish.

"If I had not been involved at all under Billy, I might have considered things in the summer, given that I am coming to the end," said Greening.

"But he has been really positive, he says he wants to use me, he says I have a part to play.

"He knows I cannot perhaps play three games in a week, but he has said he will use me as much as he can.

"I am very upbeat about that; I am very positive and I am looking forward to seeing what happens now."