Nottingham Forest will be hoping for a much better season in 2019/20 after crashing to a disappointing ninth-place finish in the previous campaign.

Martin O'Neill will be looking to stamp his mark on the Reds this summer as they look to build towards a promotion back to the Premier League.

[ad_pod ]

And they were handed a non-transfer related pre-season boost on Wednesday when the club revealed that Michael Dawson had returned to full fitness.

Following his arrival in the summer of 2018, Dawson went on to play just ten times in the second-tier after picking up a nasty injury.

But now the 35-year-old has returned to full fitness, will he be an important player next season?

We discuss...

Toby Wilding 

"He could be vital.

"Dawson has the ability and experience to bring an added sense of solidity to Forest's defence next season, which could be crucial if they are to push towards the top six next season.

"With the majority of the rumours around the club focussing on departures rather than signings, this could be a welcome piece of good news for Forest to build on in the lead up to next season."

Chris Gallagher 

"I'm not sure he will be a regular.

"There's no doubting that Dawson is a good player when he is available but he has had a lot of issues for a while now and I think Forest will start the season with two better options in central defence.

"However, he is a real leader and has a lot of experience from playing at the highest level so that could be vital in helping the group."

Louie Chandler 

"Not for me I'm afraid.

"He could prove an important player off the pitch, but on it I feel he is comfortably past his best and especially if Forest are aiming for promotion.

"In Alex Milosevic and Tobias Figuiredo they have two far better options. So Dawson may prove useful in rotating the team at various stages, but I cannot see him being a key man.