HAVING celebrated his 21st birthday in the last few weeks, Chris Gunter can hardly be considered a wily old pro.

But the Nottingham Forest defender has packed plenty of experience into his fledgling career, including 21 international caps with Wales.

And he has learned enough along the way to know that he does not need to get carried away by the events of pre-season so far.

In the four games played by a strong Forest side, they have registered just a single win so far, during their training camp in Portugal.

Defeats at the hands of Tranmere and Peterborough will have hurt far more than their reversal at the hands of an outstanding Lyon side at the City Ground this week.

But, as they prepare for their final warm-up game of the summer, at Swindon Town this afternoon, Gunter is refusing to get carried away.

"We should not get too disheartened with results in pre-season, because it is not what matters," said the former Cardiff and Spurs player.

"I have been at clubs in the past where we have won every game in pre-season – and then started really badly when the season begins.

"Newcastle lost 6-0 to Leyton Orient last summer, then look what they achieved, as they went on to claim the Championship title.

"And, when I was at Spurs, we won every game in pre-season but then didn't win in the first nine of the season proper and Juande Ramos got the sack.

"The main thing about pre-season is just getting fit and we are doing well on that front."

Gunter says the vital factor for Forest is making sure they are ready to face Burnley, in the Championship, in seven days time.

"Things are a little disjointed still, but it is about getting through 90 minutes and improving," he said. "When we have got through pre-season we will be in good shape.

"We feel fit and ready for the new season, it is just about getting sharper now.

"People will view the Burnley game as being an indication of where the two teams are going to be this season.

"I am not sure I agree with that. But we know it will be a really tough test.

"They have had the experience of playing in the Premiership and they have some very good players.

"It will be a tough opening game. But so was Reading last season and we did really well there."

Gunter does expect Burnley to challenge for promotion this season, having been relegated from the Premiership.

But he also predicts that two of the other sides Forest face in August can play a part as well.

"Burnley have come down and Leeds and Norwich have come up," he said. "And sometimes the teams who come up do have a bit of momentum about them.

"They are all really big games for us. Leeds at home will be a good game, the fans will enjoy that and there will be a lot of interest.

"Whoever we play at the start of the season, it does not really matter.

"All that matters is that we are properly prepared – and we will be."