Camp: Duo can provide vital experience for Forest

LEE Camp believes Paul McKenna and Dele Adebola can fill a significant void at Nottingham Forest this season.

The Reds keeper (pictured, below) feels a lack of experience was a big factor in the club's struggle against relegation last season.

But he is convinced the influence and experience of midfielder McKenna, 31, and 34-year-old Adebola, the veteran striker, can provide the missing piece of the jigsaw.

McKenna was skipper at previous club Preston and, whether he is handed the armband or not at the City Ground, Camp believes he can provide great leadership.

"What we lacked (last season) was experience and a bit of know how and maturity," said Camp, who will be part of the squad that faces Stoke City at the City Ground tonight (7.45pm).

"But Dele has been around the block a few times in football, as has Paul – and their experience will be invaluable.

"Maybe that is what we were lacking previously, having people who know about being in the right place at the right time – and Paul certainly seems to have a knack of doing that.

"He has experience and he has been a captain of a side for a long time at Preston.

"That is good because it gives the young players plenty of chance to look at him and learn from him. I am sure he will be a big influence on people."

While he is hardly a veteran at 24, Camp hopes he can have an influence on Forest's young defence, by providing a vocal presence in the penalty area.

"I can see everything from where I am standing, obviously. And somebody once told me that, as a keeper, you can talk the ball away from you," he said.

"And that certainly rings true. With young players, they can often be quite quiet. The manager wants big characters, big leaders in the side and, if I can help vocally, so be it."