Nottingham Forest could only draw 0-0 with Stoke City at the weekend as they continue to challenge for the top six spots.

The Reds could have won the game but for an inspired Jack Butland, too, so all-in-all they will probably feel fairly pleased with the performance - even if the result didn't exactly go to plan.

Now, then, the international break is here and the Reds will look to work on a few things whilst Aitor Karanka has hope that some of his players will be back to fitness in the next couple of weeks.

As per his quotes in the Nottingham Post, he said:

“I hope to have one or two players back after the international break – players like Daryl Murphy and Danny Fox.

“We still need to check Hilal Soudani. But the more players we have available after the break, the better it will be for everyone."

Danny Fox has had a good season so far but will have to force himself back into the side whilst Daryl Murphy will be challenging Lewis Grabban for a starting spot up front.

Hillal Soudani, meanwhile, continues to endure a tough season.

The Verdict

This international break provides a good chance for Forest to rest some players and get back towards full-strength.

They have had a pretty productive campaign so far and after the break, they'll be looking to kick on as things get on the hectic-side in the fixture list.