Nottingham Forest midfielder proving to be an ace in Aitor Karanka’s pack

Nottingham Forest signed a plethora of talent during the summer with Aitor Karanka going gung-ho in an attempt to reach the Premier League.

The Reds boss has mixed a healthy concoction of youth and experience with his team starting to look like genuine promotion contenders.

In re-signing Jack Colback on loan from Newcastle United he added the type of player that every football team needs.

Some fans still don’t rate the midfielder; with a few of the more cynical supporters questioning what his role is within the side.

The 28-year-old is composed on the ball, strong in the tackle and keeps things ticking along nicely.

The fact that he doesn’t frequently take on four players at a time and pop one in the top corner doesn’t mean he doesn’t do anything; it simply highlights that he plays within his capabilities.

Solid Pedigree

People might forget that Colback is a player who was once called up to play for England. He pulled out of the squad in 2014 through injury but nonetheless it highlights what a good player he is.

The Three Lions boss at the time, Roy Hodgson, was famously mocked for labeling Colback as the ‘Ginger Pirlo’; although it is evident why he felt such a tag was necessary.

The Italian legend was effortless in everything he did and whilst Colback clearly isn’t of the same ilk, his role on the pitch is not too dissimilar.

With the likes of Joe Lolley, Lewis Grabban and Joao Carvalho earning plaudits for their attacking exploits, Colback’s form has slipped under the radar somewhat.

Alongside Claudio Yacob on Saturday he was magnificent; showcasing exactly how underrated he is in the current Forest setup.

Colback is a steady seven out of 10 performer each time he pulls on the shirt and he is fast becoming one of Karanka’s unsung heroes.

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