Nuno addresses Taiwo Awoniyi's 'minutes on the pitch' as Nottingham Forest transfer rumours swirl
Striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been backed to play a key role for Nottingham Forest in the remainder of the season despite uncertainty about his future.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is “absolutely” convinced the Reds front man can rediscover top form and will not be distracted by any transfer speculation. However, he acknowledges Awoniyi needs game time in order to hit the kind of levels he has shown previously as he continues to find himself largely restricted to a substitutes’ role.
There is some doubt over whether the Nigeria international will still be at the City Ground by the end of the January transfer window, with West Ham United holding an interest in him. Nuno would not be drawn on any of the rumours ahead of Sunday’s clash with Southampton (2pm kick-off) but made clear he retains faith Awoniyi can deliver in the Garibaldi.
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Asked about reports the 27-year-old could be set for a January exit, Nuno said: “Taiwo came on late in the game (against Liverpool), having played very well in the previous game against Luton.
“We hope that he progresses with the fitness level because we know the talent and the quality he has. He is a goalscorer.
“He always has an impact, he always has chances. That is what you can say about Taiwo. Is there something I do not know? There are rumours?”
The form of Chris Wood has hindered Awoniyi’s chances of getting back into the starting XI. He made the line-up for last weekend’s FA Cup victory over the Hatters then was back on the bench for Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Awoniyi has been playing catch-up with his fitness and sharpness since missing a chunk of pre-season. He scored his first goal of the campaign in the 3-0 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month and Nuno believes he can get back to the kind of goalscoring prowess of his first term Trentside, when he notched 11 goals.
“He can absolutely get back (to that previous level). Yes, absolutely. Because he shows it every day,” Nuno said.
“He works very hard and we cannot forget the importance of Taiwo to Forest and the history of what he has done for the club. I was fortunate enough to see many of the games that Taiwo was involved in and his performance level was very high. I am absolutely confident that he will get back to that.
“It is fitness, it is confidence and it is another factor - which is minutes on the pitch, because Chris is doing very well. Taiwo recognises that and is humble enough to know that he has to wait for his moment.
“His moment (currently) is not going to be when he starts, it is going to be when he comes on in the game. He scored against Wolves to close down the game and that is what we want from T.
“He has to be ready, whether it is minute one or minute 90 that he is involved. The other part is mentality. I am sure he is totally focused and committed to the club.”
