Star closes on return

Nottingham Forest have been boosted by the news Joe Garner is closing in on a first-team return following a knee injury.

Garner turned out for Forest during Thursday night's friendly clash against the Republic of Ireland B team and after coming through unscathed is closing in on a return to Championship action.

The 20-year-old hopes to have another run out for the reserves next week before returning to the squad for the game against QPR.

"I'm very happy to be back out on the pitch," Garner revealed. "It's a bit of a shock but I'll be all right when I get going. Hopefully, I'm back fit now and there'll be no more injuries for me."