Jordan Smith started the season as Nottingham Forest's first-choice goalkeeper but is now third choice having fallen down the pecking order at the City Ground during the January transfer window. 

The mid-season arrival of experienced goalkeepers Costel Pantilimon and Stephanos Kepano have left Smith playing catch-up as he seeks to force his way back into Forest manager Aitor Karanka's plans.

Smith always had the feel of a goalkeeper who had a mistake in him but former Middlesbrough boss Karanka has offered him some encouragement as he looks to get back into the frame.

He told the Nottingham Post: "In the Championship, Jordan is a good keeper, but he is young. I said from the start that I haven’t forgotten him at all. He is a good player.

"The Championship is a difficult division, but Jordan now has two players around him who he can learn from."

The Verdict

Karanka loves a shopping spree and given his teams are famed for their defensive solidity, it is no surprise that he wants to get his goalkeeping situation right.

That has seen him favour experience at the expense of Smith, who clearly has talent but has also failed to convince.

I wouldn't be surprised if Smith were to leave at the end of the season, as three experienced goalkeepers is a bit of a crowd - but that depends on whether Karanka can convince the new pair to commit longer term.

Forest fans - what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below...