Steve Cooper must start 21-year-old if £13m Nottingham Forest player remains sidelined

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With Nottingham Forest defender Murillo limping off against West Ham United, it is unknown whether he will be fit to face Brighton on Saturday.

Reds boss Steve Cooper is yet to provide an update on the fitness of the Brazilian defender, with it appearing as though he suffered a hamstring problem.

Should Murillo miss out at the weekend, Cooper should hand a first Forest start to the Republic of Ireland international Andrew Omobamidele.

The 21-year-old played his first 90 minutes in three months in the 1-1 draw against New Zealand last night, with the former Norwich City man.

READ: National media deliver verdict on Nottingham Forest star Neco Williams after international goal

Omobamidele deserving of a first Forest start

Omobamidele is yet to be handed any minutes for Forest after his deadline day move from Norwich, however, he may be handed that opportunity on Saturday.

With Murillo’s potential injury, coupled with the poor form of Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, Omobamidele may be the perfect replacement to partner Moussa Niakhate.

He produced a solid display against fellow Forest teammate Chris Wood, winning two aerial battles against the striker.

The 21-year-old made 44 passes out of his 48 attempted – a completion rate of 92% as he looks to become a talented ball-playing centre-back – a role Cooper is trying to implement this season.

Finally time for an Omobamidele debut?

Although he’s played in the Premier League previously it seems as though Cooper is giving the youngster more time to bed into life at the City Ground.

His display last night proved what he’s capable of on the ball, with boss Cooper looking to implement a more possession-based tactic in the coming months.

Should Murillo fail to be ready for this weekend, Omobamidele should be the player to replace the Brazilain after his impressive start to the season.