Aitor Karanka hints at Nottingham Forest player departure

Aitor Karanka is prepared to give Jack Hobbs a chance in the first-team before the season is over but suggested that he may not be at the City Ground next season.

The former Leicester centre-back has suffered terribly with injuries this year and was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign. However, he has fought to get himself fit with his attitude and mentality impressing the former Boro boss.

Whilst that may not be enough to earn the 29-year old a new deal with Forest, with his current contract up in the summer, Karanka is going to let him play in order to show others he can still play next season.

“I would like to give him the chance to play against Bristol or Bolton, in the last game, because he deserves that opportunity. He has been really good,” he told the Nottingham Post.

“Let’s see what happens in these games and see how he feels. He can show that he is fit and ready to go for next season. That is why I need to be fair with him.”

“At least if he is not here, he can show that he is able to play next season.”

The Verdict

Even though Forest have nothing to play for, this is a very nice gesture from Karanka and it’s something Hobbs is sure to appreciate.

He’s had a very tough time with injuries and it’s understandable that Forest aren’t prepared to offer him a new deal, but this will at least give him a chance to show to others he can do a job.

It also sends a message to the rest of the squad that hard work and commitment will be rewarded.

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