THERE may not have been any new signings for Nottingham Forest fans to cast an intrigued eye over in midweek, when they began their pre-season campaign on home soil.

But there were a handful of new faces.

At least, that is, for those who are not among the dedicated band of supporters who regularly watch the club's junior sides in action.

In the 2-0 defeat at Tranmere, 17-year-old defender Neil Byrne produced a solid performance and midfielder Danny Meadows, 18, also earned praise from coach Julian Darby after coming on early in the second half.

And the squad that won 2-1 at Mansfield also saw several teenage players given an opportunity.

Today, with Forest's small squad again set to be divided for games at Peterborough and Kidderminster for further friendly fixtures, manager Billy Davies says there will be another opportunity for the club's young guns to impress.

And, with the club set to enter the reserve league again this season, after a 12 month absence, he believes that could be vital.

"It is important to integrate the younger players with the senior guys, to give them that experience," he said.

"A lot of these lads have not been in the dressing room with the likes of Robert Earnshaw and Paul McKenna.

"And it is an important part of the learning curve for them, to be involved in matches like this.

"I also like to get the coaching staff integrated for matches like this, to get them involved in things. That is important.

"The young lads all did a good job on Wednesday, they all showed they were up to the task.

"And they will get a good standard of football again this season, in the reserve league.

"They will be up against a good standard of opposition.

"So it will be good for them to be involved in and around the first team players now, to get used to that environment.

"There is a good standard of opposition in the reserve league, so it will be an interesting test for the younger players."

Forest were disappointing in the second half of their 2-0 defeat at Tranmere, after creating plenty of opportunities before the break.

But, with Davies set to watch at London Road today, he says good performances are not crucial.

"It is all about fitness, nothing else," he said. "At this stage, the most important thing is just getting some match time into everyone.

"As pre-season progresses we will look at their sharpness and moving things along. We have another two games after today and, by the time the start of the season comes around, we will be ready."

With Kelvin Wilson (ankle) and Wes Morgan (strain) both still carrying slight injuries, Forest will have makeshift defences at both matches, although Luke Chambers has recovered and will play.

"In midweek, we had Chris Gunter playing in the centre of defence at one stage, at Tranmere, alongside Julian Bennett.

"The lad Byrne did well in the centre in the first half before that.

"None of the defenders' injuries are serious, it is just a matter of being careful.

"Neither Kelvin or Wes have anything that is going to keep them out for long. We will have more of them back next week."

David McGoldrick also remains sidelined (shoulder), while Nathan Tyson has a groin problem.