Sammy Ameobi will see his Nottingham Forest deal expire in the summer. Recent events might dictate that Chris Hughton has made his mind up over his future.
The 28-year-old has spent some time on the sidelines with a knee problem recently but returned to the bench against Derby.
He was named as a substitute once again for the game against Luton at home – coming on for the final 22 minutes.
On Saturday, Ameobi once again remained on the bench and failed to get on the pitch as Forest lost to Watford.
The former Bolton man has scored just three times in 27 appearances this season, with two of those coming in a 3-1 win over Millwall.
Hughton’s latest team selections don’t bode well for the Ameobi.
Although he is making squads, he was considered a regular prior to his injury setback.
He’s started 22 of his 27 outings for the Reds and was seemingly a favourite of Hughton’s.
The last three games could represent something of a worry for the Forest ace though as he approaches a crossroads.
Last season, Ameobi was nothing short of brilliant at times.
He scored five goals and registered nine assists as the Reds narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
As a free transfer, he proved a very capable player and his contract extension was thoroughly deserved.
He’s always been the sort of player who is capable of the sublime and the ridiculous but more often than not last season he was good.
Decision time
In the past few weeks, Ameobi has found himself behind Anthony Knockaert, Joe Lolley and Luke Freeman for a spot on the left-wing.
Alex Mighten is also in the reckoning for a place on one of the flanks.
Brennan Johnson has excelled out wide for Lincoln and he will return next season, increasing the competition in attacking positions.
The longer Ameobi spends on the sidelines the harder it will be for him to win a new contract with Forest.
If his lack of game time persists it will only enhance the notion that Hughton has already made his mind up that Ameobi’s future doesn’t lie at the City Ground.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
