PAUL Smith said it had been a tough few weeks on the sidelines at Nottingham Forest.

But the Reds goalkeeper was delighted to mark his return at Sheffield United by helping keep a crucial clean sheet in the 0-0 draw.

Smith had found himself out of the team for the second time this season. He was dropped last October by previous boss Colin Calderwood, with Lee Camp taking his place.

Smith was back between the sticks from January but was then left out for three games after Iain Turner joined on loan from Everton.

But a toe injury ruled Turner out yesterday and Smith was recalled.

He said: "It has been a tough few weeks for me not to be playing. I work hard morning and afternoon to make sure I am playing on the Saturday.

"And when that isn't the case it is disappointing. But at the same time we work hard to make sure when called upon I can put in a performance like that and help keep a clean sheet.

"We defended well as a back line, got headers blocks and tackles in and I was there to make a couple of saves. So I am happy.

"They put the ball into the box with every chance they got and we got headers in and I took a few crosses as well so we are pleased."

Despite the draw, Forest slipped back into the bottom three as Norwich won. But they are now on the same points as the Canaries and Barnsley, who are both outside the relegation zone.

And with Coventry next up at home on Saturday followed by Blackpool and Southampton, Smith is confident of the Reds securing their Championship status.

"We came to get three points but under the circumstances we are happy to take the clean sheet and point away from here," he added.

"I do not think it is easy [the run-in]. It is a case of us going out and getting a positive result."