Camp believes defence is key for Forest

CONFIDENT Lee Camp today predicted Nottingham Forest's defensive strength can help them extend their unbeaten records at Middlesbrough today, insisting: "This is the best back four I have ever played behind."

The Reds keeper is delighted with the five clean sheets he has kept in the Championship this season.

But he also believes the fact that Forest have conceded two or more goals in only two of their 16 matches so far – and just 15 goals overall – is equally telling.

Forest face one of the most potent front-lines in the Championship at Middlesbrough this afternoon, with Premiership loan signings Dave Kitson and Marcus Bent likely to pair up for the first time.

But Camp is undaunted as Forest look to extend their season-long eight-match unbeaten run away from home and their more recent eight-match run without defeat overall.

He said: "This defence is as good as any I have played behind. In fact, it is better than any defence I have played with.

"Any goalkeeper prides himself on clean sheets and managers always like to see them as well.

"But, if you can't keep a clean sheet, then it is good to keep it down to one if you can.

"The two games where we did concede more than a single goal were Watford, which was just a disaster, and Derby.

"It was also two deflected goals that we conceded against them.

"So we have certainly proved that we can make it hard for teams to play against us and to score against us.

"A lot of the single goals we have conceded have been a bit special or lucky as well.

"The one against Cardiff was offside, there was that free-kick at Palace and the goal against West Brom that came off Wes.

"You certainly have to fight hard to get something off us at the moment – or enjoy a good slice of luck.

"That is so important."

Forest's defensive solidity comes despite a lack of age in the back four, with Morgan the oldest at 25.

"We might not have any old heads in there," said Camp. "But Wes has just been fantastic this season. It has been a one-man show with him at times.

"Luke Chambers was superb and Kelvin has come back in and done fantastically as well.

"So we have great competition for places now in the centre.

"Chris Gunter has come in and plays as if he has the maturity and experience of a 35-year-old.

"And Chris Cohen, despite being an attacking midfielder, has dropped in perfectly at left back.

"Despite that inexperience, it is as good as any back four I have played behind.

"But the education we get from the gaffer is first class and you can always keep learning, no matter how old you are."