Nottingham Forest’s latest signing Karim Ansarifard could be used in a deeper role this season, Aitor Karanka has revealed.  

Karanka was amongst the busiest managers in the Sky Bet Championship over the summer, completely reshaping his Nottingham Forest squad.

Earlier this month, Ansarifard signed a deal with Forest that will run until the summer of 2020.

So far, Karanka has handed the Iranian international just one substitute appearance, but the Spaniard has been discussing the versatility that the 28-year-old will bring at the City Ground.

Discussing where Ansarifard, a natural striker, will fit into his 4-2-3-1 formation with the Nottingham Post, Karanka said: “If Joao (Carvalho) is tired or cannot play for any reason, Karim can play as a number 10 as well, just behind Lewis (Grabban), if we need to. Or behind Daryl (Murphy) as well.”

Ansarifard was an unused substitute in Saturday’s goalless draw with Stoke City, with Karanka opting to use Gil Dias as his attacking option from the bench.

That draw with Stoke meant Forest failed to establish themselves in the play-offs heading into the international break, with Karanka’s side narrowly adrift of the top-six.

Following this week’s international break, the Reds travel to Hull City and Aston Villa in back-to-back away fixtures.

The Verdict  

Ansarifard could turn out to be a very shrewd addition at the City Ground.

The 28-year-old has a good record in international football, as well as impressing in Greece last year.

He brings versatility to Forest’s attack and could prove to be a good alternative to both Joao Carvalho and Lewis Grabban over the course of the season.

Getting him up to full fitness will be a priority now.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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