Championship outfit Nottingham Forest travel to Hull City this weekend and the mind games have already begun off the pitch.
City legend Peter Swan believes, quite remarkably, that former Tiger, Michael Dawson, is a chink in Forest’s armour.
The 35-year-old spent four largely successful years at the KCOM Stadium, leading the club back into the Premier League in 2016.
The experienced campaigner then made 22 appearances in the top flight and was a firm fan favourite during his spell in East Yorkshire.
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He said: “I’m sure he will receive a warm reception. He poured his heart and soul into the shirt for four years and I’m sure the fans will recognise his efforts this weekend.
“However, I say this with the greatest of respect, but I think if he plays on Saturday he could well be the weak link City will look to exploit.
“At 35, his best days are well and truly behind him. Hull will know all about his weaknesses as a player and Fraizer Campbell must be confident that he can add to his goal tally.”
Swan’s comments are massively wide of the mark, however, with Dawson starting to show his worth to Forest.
During a run of league games that has seen the Reds keep four clean sheets, Dawson has started in each of them.
It took the central defender some time to force his way into Aitor Karanka’s team but he now looks irreplaceable.
Dawson will be hoping to lead Forest towards a massive three points this weekend; ramming Swan’s words back down his throat in the process.