This article is part of Football League World's 'Regular Punter' series, where we gather original opinions from select, passionate fans of the clubs concerned on matters surrounding their team and share them with a wider audience...

Since opting to appoint Sabri Lamouchi as their new manager in June, Nottingham Forest have experienced an encouraging start to life under the guidance of the Frenchman.

Currently fifth in the Championship standings, the Reds will undoubtedly be looking to push on after the international break.

Whereas Forest have lacked consistency in an attacking sense this season, they have been very impressive defensively due to the form illustrated by the likes of Joe Worrall and Michael Dawson.

With Yohan Benalouane expected to step up his preparations for a return to competitive action over the coming weeks following a hip injury, it will be intriguing to see whether he can force his way into Lamouchi's starting eleven.

Football League World Nottingham Forest fan pundit Grant Brindley has insisted that the 32-year-old may struggle to make the club's match-day squad when fit.

"I think Benalouane is a long way from getting anywhere near our starting eleven at the moment.

"Worrall and Dawson are Lamouchi's preferred pairing, although the latter of the two is always likely to miss parts of the season due to injury.

"But then we have Tobias Figueiredo and Chema, who have both done okay when called upon.

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"Benalouane has a real fight on his hands to earn a place in the match-day squad, especially as he hasn't played since April."

Brindley has been relatively impressed with Benalouane since he joined Forest from Leicester City earlier this year.

"Overall I think he has done okay.

"He is big, strong and physical and does have leadership qualities.

"He definitely had something we needed when we signed him.

"He shows aggression too which is a good trait to have in the Championship as a defender."

The Forest fan pundit has suggested that Benalouane's return to action could be beneficial for the club.

"I think that if Benalouane can add to the competition for places, it will be better for Forest as long as everyone is showing the right attitude which I think will happen with this group of players.

"If Worrall and Dawson can raise their game to another level following the Tunisian international's return, it will have a positive impact on the club."