'Keep doing what you are doing' at Nottingham Forest, Billy tells Simon Cox

BILLY Davies has told Simon Cox to "keep doing what he is doing" and the goals will come.

The striker has been one of the key performers for Nottingham Forest amid the remarkable recent revival under the Scotsman, with his work-rate and industry carving out a host of opportunities.

At the same time, the Irish international has now failed to find the net in 20 appearances for club and country.

But Davies does not believe that is a reflection of the quality of his performances.

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And the manager has told the former West Brom and Swindon man to keep producing the same level of performance – and assured him his position in the side is not under threat.

Cox again played a key role in the 2-1 win at Hull last weekend, with Darius Henderson providing the killer touch after a flicked-shot from Cox had bounced cruelly back off the woodwork.

The 25-year-old also failed to hit the target with two further chances at the KC Stadium. But Davies has told him not to let it dent his confidence.

"Coxy hit the bar and he is desperate to get that goal," said Davies. "But I told him in the dressing room – don't worry.

"I just want him to keep working hard, to keep doing what he is doing.

"It is not effecting his confidence at all. If he got dropped out of the team, he would know he has a problem.

"But he is in the team and his work-rate is excellent.

"He had three or four great chances, but he just didn't hit the target. This can happen to all strikers.

"We can ask no more from him or the rest of these players; they are giving us everything they have got."

Following a recent flurry of fixtures, Davies has given the squad a few days off to recuperate.

"We want to give these players a break now, because that is needed," he said.

"I am pleased the international break has come around now, for the players and the staff. We will get ready for the next match."

Cox, however, has joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad for tonight's World Cup qualifier in Sweden and next Tuesday's clash with Austria – while the likes of Radi Majewski (Poland), Gonzalo Jara (Chile) and Adlene Guedioura (Algeria) are also in international action.

The Reds boss will be keeping a close eye on how the quartet get on with their national teams as the last thing they need is any injuries ahead of their return to action a week tomorrow, on March 30.

Promotion rivals Brighton visit the City Ground next Saturday, when Forest will be looking to secure a club record equalling seventh consecutive win.