Martin O’Neill returned to management after he was appointed as Nottingham Forest boss earlier this week.

The Irishman also returned to the place where he made his name as a player. He was part of Forest’s golden age under Brian Clough - a side that won two European Cups.

O’Neill was not the fan's choice, but the ex-Ireland boss has soon warmed the minds of fans, who will be fully behind him.

He may not have the potential that young managers such as Slavisa Jovanovic, but he has an impressive CV that includes great spells at Aston Villa and Ireland.

But, he is inheriting a squad low on confidence, that has struggled for wins since a good run prior to the Christmas period, perhaps down to the speculation over Karanka’s future.

There are multiple things O’Neill must change if Forest are to reach the play-offs, which reading between the lines of Karanka being forced out, is the minimum expectation.

Here are THREE issues he must fix ASAP…

Consistency

One problem that has haunted Nottingham Forest this season is a lack of consistency.

The Reds have looked excellent some weeks, but awful the next. For a good example of this, see their first league game in 2019, the win over Leeds, and compare it with their second, the loss at Reading.

O’Neill must fix this if Forest are to mount a serious play-off push this season.

Defence and goalkeeper

The left side of defence has been a problem for Forest this season, with auxiliary centre-half Danny Fox being steady, yet not amazing.

Jack Robinson has done a job as well, but O’Neill will look to strengthen this area.

As for the goalkeeper, Costel Pantilimon has made a number of errors costing Forest points, and O’Neill may enter the market for a goalkeeper.

Away form

At the City Ground, Forest have been excellent. Perhaps due to the increase of around 25% in average attendances, the Reds have been promotion standard at home.

However, on the road, they haven’t looked sharp at all.

O’Neill must do something to fix this, whether it be changing the shape slightly away or whatever he sees fit, but something must be done.