Steve Cooper has lauded the efforts of Nottingham Forest star Jack Colback after the midfielder starred during a 1-1 draw with Reading yesterday.
Forest took the lead in the fourth minute when Philip Zinckernagel used his trickery to pull away from three defenders and then smashed a right-footed effort home.
The Reds conceded in the second half though, with Royals defender Scott Dann restoring parity for the home side.
Another point on the road is hardly a bad thing though and Forest will certainly view this as a point gained; as opposed to two lost.
Colback was once again instrumental in the Forest engine room. He pulled the strings from the middle of the park and got the Reds going during the contest.
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Following an early injury to Max Lowe, Cooper admitted that he did consider utilising Colback at left-back.
He instead opted to bring on Gaetan Bong for a first taste of action under the new head coach and after the game, he discussed his thought process.
Cooper told Nottinghamshire Live: “It was definitely a decision and something to think about. I just felt we needed Jack in midfield today. We needed his experience.
“If you think about his interceptions and his positional play, the crosses which were coming in and how he read the game, his turnovers, his passing, his composure at the time…Jack is our experienced head in there.
“Yatesy was excellent but Jack was a proper footballer today. I was really pleased with him.”
Colback resurgence just the tonic for Forest
Although Cooper arrived at the City Ground with a reputation for some great work with younger players, it’s an experienced performer who has impressed the most.
Colback has been terrific since the new gaffer took his place at the club and was once again the Reds’ standout yesterday.
The 32-year-old had struggled to replicate the form he showed during two loan spells since returning to the club in the summer of 2020.
Now, he’s busy silencing his critics though with a string of fine performances under his belt.
Colback is playing out of his skin right now and Forest will hope he can stay fit and continue leading by example over the next few months.
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