Nottingham Forest manager Martin O'Neill has now had a few weeks to stamp his mark on his squad, that currently are five points off the play-off places, ahead of the weekend trip to Preston North End.

One player who seems to be in O'Neill's plans is 21-year-old midfielder Ryan Yates, who has started Forest's last two matches, the win against Brentford and the draw against West Brom, putting in man of the match displays in both.

So can Yates now nail down a regular starting spot in the Forest team?

We discuss.....

Louie Chandler

"I think he probably already has.

"Given the competition for places in the central-midfield area, it cannot be underestimated how well he has done to break into the team.

"O'Neill would be foolish to take him out now."

Gary Hutchinson

“He’s started the last two, so why not?

“There’s always a focus on new signings and fresh faces, but clubs spend a lot of money on their academy.

“Yates is proof that turning to youth isn’t always a fallacy.

"Good on him.”

Alfie Burns

“He’s going the right way about it.

“I’ve been really impressed with Yates in recent weeks and it amazes me we didn’t see him earlier in the season.

“Forest have an array of midfield talent, but Yates stands out. O’Neill should be building a team around him.”

Jacob Potter

"He’s certainly staked a strong claim.

"Yates couldn’t have done much more to give O’Neill a selection headache, and he’s going to be a crucial player for the Reds going forward this season.

"He’s a star for the future."