McGugan putting frustrating start behind him

LEWIS McGugan is a confident character, both on and off the pitch.

Always wearing a smile, it is obvious he is loving life as a professional footballer.

And on the pitch, it is that confidence in his own ability that allows his creative spark rise to the top.

Whatever the situation, McGugan is always prepared to get on the ball to try to change the fortunes of Nottingham Forest.

Rather than hide after a bad pass, he is always ready to go again, not afraid to get back on the ball.

And it is that attitude that belies the fact he only turned 20 at the end of October.

But while McGugan admits he is still learning, he wants to be the man who can make a huge difference for Forest in their battle for survival.

The man who has come through every age group at Forest before making the first team has a burning desire to reach the big time.

But a two-month injury layoff and then a three-match ban for a red card at Derby has left him unable to make a real impression this season.

He showed at Coventry seven days ago what he was all about, completely bossing the midfield from start to finish. But then he was injured in training just before the midweek defeat at home to Sheffield United and, after failing a late fitness test, was forced to watch from the sidelines.

But the Long Eaton lad feels the best of him is yet to be seen.

"It has been stop start, all over the place and you are just trying to get that little run of games," he said of his season so far. "Once you get that you can kick on and push on.

"These days there are loads of people aged 19 or 20 with over 50 games under their belt and I think that is the way football is going.

"I just have to keep on going and keep looking at my performances, looking at where I can improve myself and take it from there.

"Every league takes some getting used to but it is always something I knew when I got my head down, I could deal with it. Eventually, with a couple more games and I am at the top, fitness wise, you will start seeing the best of me."

In the centre of midfield, McGugan is developing a good understanding with 23-year-old James Perch.

"I have known Perchy since I was a little boy and gone through the academy with him," he added.

"I know him in and out and he knows me and at the moment it is all coming together. I am feeling fitter and stronger as each game goes past."

Forest go into today's match with Blackpool five points from safety following Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United.

But with games coming in quick succession during December, he says Forest cannot afford to worry about anybody else. "We have to keep on doing our job and then after the game look and hope somebody has slipped up," he said. "That is the way we have to approach each game."

In order to have the best possible chance, manager Colin Calderwood will want to have the creative influence of McGugan in his side.

"His season has been disrupted but it is good to see him getting the games now," said the Reds boss.

"He is a creative player who can do it in open play but also from set plays. He can also contribute with a goal."