Benalouane and Colback banned for Boro clash

Posted Sunday, April 21, 2019 by PA

Nottingham Forest boss Martin O’Neill will be forced to make changes for his side’s Easter Monday clash with Middlesbrough.

Forest are without Yohan Benalouane after his red card in the 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United, while Jack Colback also misses out after picking up his 15th booking at Bramall Lane.

Jack Robinson and Ben Osborn are vying to replace Colback at left-back, while Alexander Milosevic and Lewis Grabban are pushing to return.

Full-back Tendayi Darikwa could also come into consideration after missing four games with a hamstring strain.

Boro boss Tony Pulis has reported no new injuries after his side climbed back into the top six by beating Stoke on Saturday.

But Pulis is still without key defenders as George Friend (thigh), Dael Fry (hamstring) and Daniel Ayala (knee) have all been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Northern Ireland defender Paddy McNair looks set to continue after making his first start since Boxing Day against Stoke, while Stewart Downing, Marcus Tavernier and Jordan Hugill are pushing for recalls.

Defenders Djed Spence and Nathan Wood are hoping to make their league debuts after being called on to the bench at the weekend.