Nottingham Forest's 2018/19 campaign is expected to run much smoother than the current one, with the Reds tripping towards a bottom half finish having failed to live up to expectations.

Much was made about the exciting young squad at The City Ground led by former Brentford and Rangers boss, Mark Warburton, but the right concoction was never discovered by the manager, resulting in his sacking and the subsequent appointment of Aitor Karanka.

The Spaniard will relish a summer transfer window in which he will be given the time and backing to overhaul his adopted squad, starting with the defensive line.

Should Karanka fulfil his wishes, this could be the four that take to the field on the opening day of next season...

The former Chesterfield man has been in excellent form for the Reds, appearing twenty-four times and emerging as a consistent performer on the right hand flank.

His defensive duties cannot be questioned but Karanka will hope to draw more from the 26-year-old going forward, with Darikwa yet to contribute to a goal or an assist throughout the entire campaign.

The player is entering his peak years and Karanka is set to enjoy coaching the talent full-back, who should emerge as the number one choice at the end of the transfer window unless an exciting option becomes available during that spell.

The academy graduate is likely to attract Premier League interest given his importance to this Forest side at such a young age, but expect the 21-year-old to line up in the famous red kit once again.

Another year to establish himself in the second-tier is exactly what the player needs, as moving too early could see his career stagnate on the bench of a Premier League outfit.

He can look to the fortunes of former colleague Oliver Burke who left for RB Leipzig and is now at West Brom, with the once heralded Forest youngster confined to the side lines for much of the past two years.

A top prospect, Worrall looks set to become a star of the division next season.

The Portuguese defender was brought in in the closing stages of the winter transfer window from Sporting Lisbon in a deal until the end of the season and it looks likely Karanka will pursue a permanent deal when the window re-opens for business.

The 24-year-old's excellent education in Portugal has been evident in recent matches, with Figueiredo emerging as the star of this Forest side since his arrival.

A perfect partner for Worrall, this young partnership could take Forest towards the top-six next season and could even be the foundations upon which a long-awaited Premier League promotion push is built upon.

Taylor jumped ship from Leeds United last summer in order to seize an opportunity in the Premier League with Burnley, but the player has thus far struggled to break into the first-team under Sean Dyche.

£4.5m-rated Taylor has a future at Turf Moor but perhaps a year back in the Championship would restore the confidence knocked from the player during his spell on the side lines.

The 24-year-old is certainly the secondary option on the left-hand side of the back-line in the north west and should another option become available in the summer, Dyche may bite.

Taylor is the ideal option.

Forest fans, thoughts?