Eyebrows were raised when Nottingham Forest opted to sign Nuno Da Costa during the January transfer window.
The Reds supporters had been hoping for a proven striker to come in and bolster the ranks, with automatic promotion firmly within reach.
Da Costa arrived on the back of just two goals in 15 matches during 2019/20, with many supporters underwhelmed by the signing of the Strasbourg man.
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A substitute appearance during a 1-0 defeat to Charlton did little to inspire, with the 29-year-old picking up an injury, despite playing for just 20 minutes.
If the first two games back have taught Forest fans anything, however, it’s that Costa might just have benefitted from the mid-season hiatus.
He has been introduced from the bench in games against Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield, looking sharp in both.
It would appear that Da Costa has leapfrogged Tyler Walker in the pecking order and he’ll be keen to make up for lost time.
The three-time Cape Verde international has shown in his two cameo appearances since the restart exactly what he is all about.
What he might lack in goals, it would seem he will make up in sheer determination.
Against Huddersfield he ran himself into the ground for the 17 minutes he was on the pitch, nearly helping Alex Mighten get on the scoresheet in the closing stages.
There is still lots for Da Costa to prove. With some of the club’s more cynical supporters, the jury will still be out on whether he can come good for the club.
Improvement
It’s not completely unfair for people to ultimately judge him on the goals he scores either – but he’s showing signs that he could get there eventually.
With Lewis Grabban sat on 19 goals for the season, it seems unlikely Da Costa will be earning a start any time soon.
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All the energetic performer can do, however, is continue working hard and grasping his chances when they do come along.
Da Costa was signed for £1.8 million, which hasn’t exactly broken the bank.
Prior to the break, the forward was being written off but if he maintains his spirited attitude, he might yet prove a shrewd signing for the club.