NOTTINGHAM Forest are hopeful that Robert Earnshaw and Iain Turner could yet play a part in their Championship survival bid.

The striker is battling to overcome a knee injury while the on-loan Everton keeper has broken his toe.

The duo will both have to make a dramatic recovery if they are to feature in any of the final three matches.

But assistant manager Ned Kelly revealed today that Forest have not lost hope.

"Iain's season might not be over. It is his big toe and the fracture does not look to be too bad, apparently," he said.

"We are hopeful of having him back before the end of the season. And there is a chance that Earnie could make it back as well. We are hopeful anyway."

Kelly reserved praise for keeper Paul Smith who produced a good display on his return to the side.

"Smudge did well, he came and took a few crosses and made a couple of important saves," said Kelly.

"But he was not overly troubled. They never carved us open and had a clear-cut chance.

"They had a header in the first half that came from slack marking and a couple of efforts in the second.

"But Paul is a good keeper and we are lucky to have him at the club."

Kelly also offered his thanks to the travelling fans at Bramall Lane, who provided strong vocal support throughout.

"It is a fantastic place to play football because they have superb supporters – but I have to say that the Forest fans were absolutely magnificent," said Kelly.

"The backing they gave the players was superb and the reception they got at the end when we had got the result was excellent.

"It shows that the players care about what they do. They deserved their plaudits."