Latest Nottingham Forest news as Callum Hudson-Odoi discusses the squad Reds head coach Sean Dyche has to work with
Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi in training(Image: PA)
Callum Hudson-Odoi is certain increased competition for places will help Nottingham Forest’s cause now some of their injured players are returning.
The Reds have had a significant absentee list to contend with in recent weeks. It has added to the challenge for head coach Sean Dyche as he navigates a hectic fixture list.
There are signs Forest’s situation is starting to improve, though. They have lost Ryan Yates for a spell but fellow midfielder Douglas Luiz and full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko made their comebacks in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League win over Utrecht, while winger Dilane Bakwa was an unused substitute.
“We need everybody,” Hudson-Odoi said. “It is important that players are coming back and getting back to full fitness.
“We need every player possible so we can go as far as we can. It’s impossible to do it with five or 10 players, you need the whole squad. We are starting to get that back, which is really important.
“In every position, everyone needs competition. It pushes you and gives you the extra motivation to keep doing well and try to keep your place in the team.
“Everyone needs competition and a bit of a push. It’s good that players are coming back to fight for their places.
“We’ve got good squad depth in every position. Everyone is always ready for any opportunity that comes.
“Everybody is ready, no matter whether it is playing 10 games in a row or two games in a row. Everyone is raring to go and ready to do their best for the team to get results, which is the most important thing for us.
“Everyone has competition, not just myself. For myself, I just want to do the best I can to get opportunities and to keep playing and to be in the team. I have got to keep pushing myself in every game and every time I get an opportunity.”
The Reds are still short of resources in the striker department. With Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi sidelined, Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo are sharing the load up front.
Both front men found the back of the net in the Netherlands in midweek; Kalimuendo opened the scoring after the break, then Jesus came off the bench to bag what proved to be the winner. The duo are finding their feet in English football following their summer moves.
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“For anybody that is stepping into any position, you have just got to make sure you are ready, no matter what it is,” Hudson-Odoi said. “The boys have done it really well.
“Igor and Kali have come from different leagues and different countries but they have settled in really well. It is amazing what they are doing.
“They are working really hard in training and when they get their opportunities they are putting the ball in the back of the net. We are happy with them and have got to keep working with them as best we can to help them get more goals.
“Igor is an amazing player. You can tell with the qualities he has that he is very strong up front. He is a very physical player and he knows where the back of the net is. I’m happy for him and am delighted he is doing so well. It’s a joy playing with him.”
Beating Utrecht was the perfect way to bounce back for Dyche’s side after last weekend’s defeat at Everton. They know they still have work to do to get away from trouble in the Premier League, though, as they prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon (2pm kick-off).
“It’s a big game,” Hudson-Odoi added. “We know it is a massive game and we want to get a result; of course we want to get the three points.
“We know how tough it will be against them because they are a good side. We just know if we do the basics well and do everything we can do to get a result, things will go well. We will work hard, do what we do and hopefully get a result.”
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