Nottingham Forest fans like to goad Richard Keogh about him crying on the television but he’s ready to stick the boot into the Reds’ play-off bid.
Keogh broke down in tears in 2014. It was his error that allowed Bobby Zamora to strike late on in the Championship play-off final, breaking Derby hearts.
Forest fans have been quick to remind the centre-back of that time over the years; with the ex-Ram not exactly taking it particularly well.
Keogh had a dispute with the club’s groundsman after a 3-0 defeat for Derby in the Carabao Cup during the 2019/20 campaign.
He also sparked a mass confrontation by picking a fight with Ryan Yates after a Forest win in the second half of the 2018/19 campaign.
Keogh has missed the last seven matches through injury but he’s set to return against the Reds during Saturday’s clash.
He told Lancashire Live: “The signs are looking a lot more positive.
“I’ve been back on the grass for 10 days or so now. When you’re back on the grass you get a little bit more excited that you’re getting closer.
“I’d love to be out there and the break will benefit me. Hopefully, by the time the next league game comes around, I should be available.”
Forest will hope Keogh makes Saturday clash
The ex-Rams performer played as Forest beat Blackpool 2-1 back in October and he couldn’t cope with the pace of the Reds’ attack.
As a result, Steve Cooper will perhaps hope to see the Blackpool defender start at Bloomfield Road when Forest head north.
Brennan Johnson possesses a large amount of pace and he’ll certainly fancy getting in behind Keogh if he plays on Saturday.
The likes of Keinan Davis and Philip Zinckernagel are hardly slow either and they could have some real joy at the weekend.
Keogh making his return against an in-form Forest could make for a difficult baptism of fire for the 35-year-old.