Writing in his latest column for the Nottingham Post, former Nottingham Forest player Gary Birtles has highlighted two key fixtures his former side must win if they are to survive in the Sky Bet Championship.

Forest’s Championship status is under threat, as they currently sit 20^th in the table, just one-point outside the relegation zone with eight fixtures of the season remaining.

Mark Warburton was recently appointed Forest manager, as relegation fears began to grow under interim boss Gary Brazil.

Despite the managerial change, Birtles remains unsure Forest will survive, he wrote: “The worrying truth is that I cannot say 'yes' with complete certainty. But what I do know is that they have a far better chance of doing so under Mark Warburton.

“He has eight games in which to lead the Reds to Championship survival now and there were reasons for optimism within his first game in charge.”

Warburton saw his side snatch a late equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Derby County, a result that saved Forest from slipping into the relegation zone.

The current international break means Forest do not return to league action until April 1^st when they face Preston North End, but Birtles is looking beyond that fixture at two clashes with relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, he continued:

“What gives you hope is that Forest's fate is still in their own hands, specifically because they still have both Wolves and Blackburn still left to play.

“They are the must-win games. Don't get me wrong, it would be madness to discount the other six fixtures in any way. That is not what I am saying.

“My point is that they are the ones Forest must absolutely, unequivocally win. Because if they take three points in those two games, they will take a truly massive step towards safety.”

Forest fans… Do you agree with Birtles that the fixtures against Wolves and Blackburn are vital? Let us know in the comments!