“Excellent” – Forest coach relishing working with Super Eagles star in new role

Nottingham Forest house two Super Eagles stars in Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi…

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche has praised Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi for his attitude to work at the club, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old didn't play under Nuno Espirito Santo at all this season, but played just 45 minutes under Ange Postecoglou before the Greek manager was fired.

Although still a squad player, Awoniyi has played in three consecutive Premier League games under Dyche, all off the substitute's bench.

The Reds sealed their first League win under Dyche yesterday as they defeated Leeds United at the City Ground, courtesy of goals from Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson.

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Forest ended the first half level, and the former Burnley manager made a triple change on the hour mark, bringing on Taiwo Awoniyi, Ryan Yates, and Omari Hutchinson. Eight minutes later, they took the lead.

Nottingham Forest boss lauds Awoniyi's attitude to new role

Typically, strikers want to get minutes and find the back of the net as often to help build their confidence, but over the past year, Awoniyi hasn't had any of that.

However, his attitude over the past three games hasn't gone unnoticed by Sean Dyche, who initially revealed the Reds can score more goals if they utilise the Nigerian's strengths.

“Everything we do, we do for the players and I think they learn to trust you with that,” the former Everton manager said in quotes revealed by BBC Sports UK.

“You tell them to come in to enjoy their football as they're still young and learning the process.

“We're trying to get him to adjust to how we work and he was terrific.

“T [Awoniyi] was excellent. He seemed a little lost when we got in but he knows he has a part to play for us

“I thought he was excellent when he came on. He's a bit of an unsung hero at times.

“He sometimes gets left out for no particular reason, but then comes on and runs right till the end.

“So, we're going to need that, not just in this game, but through the season. They'll get a few days off, but we'll be buzzing to go again,” the 54-year-old concluded.

After their second win of the season, Forest still sit 19th in the English top-flight, although they're just three points behind Newcastle United, who are 14th.