Troy Deeney admits he’s noticed ‘massive’ Chris Wood change since signing for Nottingham Forest

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It has been quite the impressive start to the season for Nottingham Forest who go into the weekend inside the top three of the Premier League.

The Reds now face Newcastle United on Sunday where Nuno Espirito Santo will return from his touchline ban after three games up in the stands.

There are plenty of narratives going into this game with a couple of Forest players set to face their former side in the Toon.

Elliot Anderson admitted he spoke to Chris Wood before joining Forest with the New Zealand striker also leaving Newcastle just last year.

And the New Zealand international is coming into the game against his former side in red hot form with Wood named Player of the Month in the Premier League for October.

His recent form has surprised Troy Deeney somewhat with the former Watford striker recalling what he used to remember about Wood during his time in the Championship.

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Troy Deeney shocked by Chris Wood transformation at Nottingham Forest

Wood has enjoyed a stunning start to the campaign with his eight goals making him the second-highest scorer in the league.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Deeney has admitted he has seen a big change in Wood’s physical stature compared to what he saw in the Championship.

“I think all of the journey that he has been on is allowing him to be where he is now,” he said.

“Remember, he has come from New Zealand, to West Brom, went five loans back-to-back where everyone was like, yeah but not for me, yeah not for me.

“He played in that Leicester game against us, big, strong. When you looked at him as a younger kid, big, strong shoulders, really skinny legs. Used to look like a triangle. But he has worked on himself.

“Last year, I know he ended up with 14 goals, but a lot of negativity about maybe he is too old, maybe we need to move on from him, but every single time proves himself to be right, works hard, and I think now with Nuno, I think Nuno has to take a massive bit of credit for it, they are playing to his strengths, they are getting crosses in the box, but they have got legs around him.”

Wood will be relishing Newcastle reunion

Elliot Anderson has already likened Wood to Ronaldo in a recent interview amid his ongoing success in front of goal.

And the 32-year-old will only be eyeing more goals on Sunday against another of his former sides having already netted twice against Leicester City.

Wood scored a hat-trick away to Newcastle last season at St James’ Park and he goes into this game in even better form.

Deeney is not the only person impressed by the striker with Clinton Morrison also wowed by Wood and what he continues to provide this Forest side.