ONLY three years ago, Nicky Shorey's career could hardly have been more in the ascendancy.

The full back was an integral part of the Reading side that rewrote the record books on their way to promotion to the Premiership, picking up 106 points and suffering only two defeats through the entire, dramatic 2005/06 campaign.

Barely 12 months later and Shorey had not only helped keep the Royals in the top flight, but also claimed his first England cap, during a 1-1 draw against Brazil at Wembley.

Today, it perhaps tells a story that the prospect of a home clash with Doncaster has the defender grinning with anticipation.

Because those years since he proudly ran out at Wembley have not been entirely kind.

Relegation with Reading was followed by a move to Aston Villa where after starting 19 games last season, he has struggled to break into the squad during the current campaign.

But now he could not be happier to be joining another club gunning for promotion from the Championship.

"It will take something special to replicate that run with Reading, because that was an amazing season," said Shorey. "That was a great team to be fair.

"But Forest are doing well and it will be nice to be part of another team that is looking to go places.

"It is not a small club I have joined, Forest are a big club and that was part of my decision. I was happy to come to a club that is aiming to get back to the higher echelons of the game."

Shorey admits it has been tough for at Villa Park, where he has made only three Premiership appearances this season.

"I have come here to try to get match fitness and then see where it takes me," he said.

"The manager makes his decisions, for whatever reason, whether you like it or not.

"But I have learnt a lot from the past season, I have learnt about the other side of football when you are not playing.

"Even when you might think you should be playing you don't always get that opportunity.

"But I have no qualms with anyone at Villa, it is just one of those things.

"I had seven years at Reading when I was playing week in week out.

"I know it is a short career and I just want the chance to play, that is what is important.

"People make their decisions in football and you have to abide by them, whether you agree with them or not.

"I just have to keep doing the same things that have got me this far in my career so far.

"I have played in the Championship for a number of seasons and it has always been a good experience for me, so hopefully it will be the same again now."

If that does prove to the be the case and Shorey does enjoy a repeat of the success he had with the Royals, it can only be good news for Forest.