Three things are certain in life; death, taxes, and injuries to key Nottingham Forest players at some stage during a Championship campaign.
Recently it has been the defensive unit that has been left decimated by a series of cruel blows on the injury and suspension front.
Experienced duo Michael Dawson and Danny Fox have been frequent visitors to the treatment room; whilst Tobias Figueiredo has missed the last three games following a somewhat harsh red card against Aston Villa.
If the performance of Jack Robinson at Derby County showed anything, however, it was that the new-look Forest won’t rely on such key members quite so much.
Robinson kept an in-form Jack Marriott at bay on a night when his task looked thankless; with his stunning performance providing more evidence of his worth to the team.
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Versatility personified
The 25-year-old was signed on a free transfer during the summer and has largely looked like a quality addition to the Reds’ ranks.
He has mainly played on the left-hand side of the back four but against the Rams, he highlighted his versatility to the Forest cause.
In years gone by, previous bosses have tried to operate with square pegs in round holes when players have missed out, and thankfully that looks to be a thing of the past.
With Figueiredo set to return from injury for the visit of Queens Park Rangers this weekend, boss Aitor Karanka is facing a selection conundrum.
It seems likely that Robinson will make a switch back to his natural home of left-back, although such an accomplished performance in the local derby hands food for thought.
If Forest are to maintain their challenge for a place in the top six they will need more players like Robinson.
Of course, he has his flaws and he certainly isn’t the quickest player ever to wear a red shirt but he is rapid in proving a popular member of the team.