Nottingham Forest have had a frustrating first half to the season with the East Midlands side unable to consistently string a positive sequence of results together.

The Reds have lost far too many games this season and that inability to grind out results when needed looks like it will cost Mark Warburton’s men when it comes to getting into the top six.

The former Rangers manager does deserve credit however. He has got Forest playing a very attractive style of play and the young attacking players he has are very exciting to watch.

Yet, the January transfer window could be pivotal if Forest are to have any chance of making a late surge for the play-offs, but Warburton will be looking to get the right balance with his squad.

Therefore, as well as new faces coming in, he will have to shift a few players to make room for them.

Here are two players Forest must axe when the window opens.

Jamie Ward

The experienced attacker just isn’t good enough to get into the Reds team at the minute.

Unfortunately for the Northern Irishman, Warburton has an array of players to pick from in his position. So much so, the likes of Zack Clough and Ben Brereton can’t even get regular games.

At his age, and given his determination and desire, Ward will be desperate to play football, so a move is inevitable in January.

Apostolos Vellios

The Greek forward hasn’t made a matchday squad in the league since the first game of the season and that’s not going to change now.

Managers have their own ideas and simply put Vellios doesn’t fit into how Warburton wants to play.

At 25-years old there’s enough time for the former Everton striker to forge a good career in England, but it won’t be with Forest so he should leave in the next few weeks.

Thoughts, Forest fans? Let us know in the comments below.