BILLY Davies has urged Nottingham Forest to sign midfielder Raddy Majewski on a permanent deal as soon as possible, after revealing he had left him out of the side against Sheffield Wednesday because he had become unsettled by the lack of progress.

The Reds boss recommended that the club sign the player, currently on loan from Polonia Warsaw until the end of the season, several months ago.

And he is now concerned that the slow pace of negotiations is affecting the morale of one of his most influential players.

"I am worried about the lad, because his head is away. He is very concerned about the lack of contract negotiation," said Davies.

"I have said before that we have to get him tied up as soon as possible and it seems to be taking a bit of time.

"It is now affecting him. Having watched him in training and spoken to him, I am left trying to keep his head up and convince him that he is part of this club.

"But, at the moment, he is beginning to question what his long-term future is.

"I have said that the player should be signed, that he should be part of our future going forwards. But the negotiations are dragging out.

"These things do not help the players and the team. We have to get things tied up quickly.

"We have to allow people to settle in and know that they are here for the long haul. We have to remove any negatives that float around inside their heads.

"The player wants to stay and I definitely want him to stay. I am not sure where we are in terms of negotiation. All I do know is that we had to drop a player that helps us with our passing and play.

"I felt it was right to take him out because of the frame of mind he was in. We can't allow the situation to continue."

Davies is also concerned he is facing a problem in the left back position.

"I am disappointed in the lack of activity (in January), I am disappointed that I have to play a right-footed player, in James Perch, at left back.

"I have a midfield player in Chris Cohen, who I have to persuade to play at left back in the future now," he said.

"And, I'll be honest, I am having a bit of a tough time with it, because the lad is enjoying playing in midfield. I might have to force him to do something he is not keen on.

"It is affecting our passing game, because of having key players missing and in the wrong positions.

"You see the reaction you get from new faces – look at Newcastle's result on Friday night. You can see what new faces do for a team. Additions give you a lift. It is crucial to understand that.

"I am concerned because we have to fit round pegs in round holes, not doing that is affecting the way that we can play.

"We cannot afford to have square pegs in round holes. We cannot afford to have influential players questioning whether they are an important part of the team.

"I know players, I know how they think. We need them on our side and feeling part of things."