Forest boss Davies steps up search for a striker

NOTTINGHAM Forest will step up their search for a striker today, as they look to fill the void left by the injury to Nathan Tyson.

Manager Billy Davies is hoping to sign at least one forward on loan before Preston visit the City Ground tomorrow, with Tyson having sustained a groin problem.

The striker is only likely to be sidelined for a week or so. But, with Adam Newbold also having sustained a hamstring injury and Emile Sinclair having returned to Macclesfield to gain experience, it leaves Davies critically short of options.

And he admits a striker will be his priority when he resumes his efforts in the loan market this morning.

"A striker does become a priority, yes it does. We know that we need to bring somebody in when you look at the injuries we have now," said Davies.

"Somebody up there does not like me at the moment because there is a lot going on when it comes to injuries and suspensions.

"Nathan has a slight groin strain and will be out for a couple of matches, I would imagine. We have also lost Adam Newbold to a hamstring problem as well on Friday.

"We have spoken about a few people, we have made a few phone calls and, fingers crossed, we are hopeful of getting something done before Tuesday.

"We are getting to the stage in the season where players are getting physically and mentally tired. It would be a nice time to bring in fresh faces, even if there are one or two guys coming back to full fitness.

"Robert Earnshaw is getting there, as is Paul Anderson and Guy Moussi was influential. We have boys coming back in – but it would be nice to get one or two fresh faces involved."

Davies was impressed with the contribution of Moussi, who completed a full 90 minutes despite having played barely 120 minutes in two practice matches prior to his first team return from an ankle injury.

"Considering what he hasn't done – in terms of training and match practice – he did very well. I always thought he would start in the way that he did, I always felt he would start slowly," said Davies.

"He was getting out of position because he was so enthusiastic and I had to have a word with him at half-time – but in the second half he was outstanding in the way he played.

"He is a great asset to the team, there is no doubt about that."