Potential Forest catch Simon Gillett: Profile
Nottingham Forest manager Sean O'Driscoll is considering making a move for Simon Gillett, who trained with the club earlier this week.
This is Nottingham understands Gillett could be invited to play in Saturday's game against Premier League Aston Villa.
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Simon Gillett, right, in action
The 26-year-old midfielder began his career at Southampton, playing in the Under-18 team. He worked his way up through the ranks, making his first-team debut as a substitute in the FA Cup tie at Leicester in January 2006.
His stellar performance earned him a new two-year contract in May, to keep him at the club until June 2008.
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In August 2006 Gillett enjoyed a three-month loan spell at Blackpool, during which time he played 15 games. He then joined Bournemouth on loan in November.
In January 2007 Gillett returned to Blackpool, and remained on loan with the club until the end of the season.
According to Southampton’s official website, Gillett “played a major role in helping the Seasiders win promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship via the League 1 play-offs, where they beat Yeovil at Wembley.”
In September that year he went to Yeovil Town on what was originally a one-month loan, but ended up staying at the club until November.
In June 2008, having forced his way back into the Saints squad under Nigel Pearson, Gillett signed a new two-year contract with an option of a further 12 months.
In 2008-09 he established himself as a first team player, securing himself a central midfield role despite picking up two prolonged injuries along the way. In March 2009 he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, after he tore cartilage in training.
The 23-year-old had made 29 appearances for Saints that term.
In October 2009, struggling to hold down a regular place in Saints' starting line-up under Alan Pardew, Gillett joined Doncaster Rovers on a two-month loan.
Joining to help provide cover for injured star Brian Stock, Gillett went straight into the Rovers squad for that weekend's game with Barnsley.
Later that month the player said he would be interested in signing for Doncaster on a permanent basis.
"It's something I'd like to do if things go well and if the club want me to stay I'd be very happy to do that,” he told the club's official website.
Gillett extended his loan stay for another month, and in December it emerged Doncaster were holding talks with him over a permanent move to the club.
O'Driscoll told Rovers Player: "I believe that the loan has been extended because it currently ends on December 12, so we have extended that into January and once the window opens we'd very much like to take him on a permanent contract.”
But it was not until July 2010 that a permanent, two-year deal was signed.
Gillett had returned to Southampton in January, where he remained until being released in May.
In October 2010 he was ruled out with another knee injury, and was unable to return to the pitch until March 2011. He made his return in a draw at Nottingham Forest, after which he said: "It will probably take me a week to get over Saturday's game at Forest.
“I also probably need to work on one or two things having been out so long.”
He told the Sheffield Star: "I wanted to take the opportunity with both hands - I've really missed playing."
In August 2011 reports suggested Burnley, Leeds and Watford were interested in the midfielder, who was valued at around £300,000 by O'Driscoll. However, a deal never came to fruition.
In April this year the player said he was committed to staying at the Keepmoat Stadium, and insisted he had not become disillusioned by the club's demotion.
It remains to be seen whether O'Driscoll will make a move to bring Gillett into the Nottingham fold.
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