Nottingham Forest have started the 2018/19 campaign in pretty solid fashion, with Aitor Karanka starting to finally implement his style on the team.
Some games have seen the Reds look a little disjointed going forwards, although it is safe to say that the Spanish boss has finally tightened Forest up at the back.
In recent weeks the Reds have ground out some superb results and the feel-good factor is firmly evident right now on Trentside.
Karanka signed several new recruits during the summer and it now seems quite obvious which players he sees as regular performers for his team.
With January on the horizon, it doesn’t seem too likely that the Reds will add many additions to their squad, although some squad members might be offloaded during the transfer window.
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Seat Pitch looks at three fringe players who could be cast aside during the month of January.
Ryan Yates
With Forest now well stocked in the central midfield area, Yates could be allowed to leave during January.
The youngster is highly-rated at the City Ground and only a loan move is likely to be sanctioned by Forest.
It is perhaps surprising that Yates wasn’t allowed to go during the summer given that he hasn’t featured in the league this season.
Spells with Notts County and Scunthorpe proved fruitful and a loan move to the Championship would suit all parties.
Jordan Smith
The goalkeeper hasn’t really had a look a look in at the City Ground this season and has today joined Barnsley on loan.
Smith hasn’t played for the Forest first-team since getting sent off in the first round of the EFL Cup against Bury.
He didn’t cover himself in glory during that game, also flapping at an early set-piece which led to Bury’s goal.
Smith’s career has stagnated somewhat and the emergency loan move to the Tykes will do him good.
I’m January a longer switch away from Trentside would bolster his development.
Liam Bridcutt
The defensive midfielder has played just one minute of league football all season, with his days looks extremely numbered.
Fellow midfielder Ben Watson is also facing an uncertain future, although Bridcutt’s seems considerably bleaker at the City Ground.
Bridcutt majorly fluffed his lines during the recent League Cup defeat to Burton Albion and a January departure seems extremely likely.
The 28-year-old could still do a job in the Championship and it seems nailed on that he won’t be a Forest player following the closure of the transfer window.