Liam Bridcutt has had a torrid time at Nottingham Forest in the last 12 months, and there looks as if there is little sign of things improving.

The 29-year-old has played one minute of league football this year, coming on as a last-gasp substitute in the win over Rotherham United back in September, and has not been seen since.

Granted, three appearances have come in the EFL Cup, but since their elimination in October, Bridcutt has had to make do with a place in the U23s.

January came and went as he remained at the City Ground despite many of the club’s supporters expecting him to leave.

But Aitor Karanka persisted without him. Instead, he looked to name a team with the 21 players he had signed this year.

The Spaniard’s time came to an end 11 days after the turn of the year, with Martin O’Neill being named his replacement.

Bridcutt must have been beaming at the prospect of once again getting a fair crack of the whip and being included in the first team more under a new boss, with new ideas, and more importantly a clean slate for all.

The midfielder should have been happy, but instead, he has had a similar sinking feeling having failed to be in the conversation since O’Neill’s arrival.

But all he can do is do his best and hope that pays off, and he should feel that is the only way through this tough time at Forest.

The Championship side’s U23s saw off Sheffield United on Monday afternoon, but it wasn’t any of the youngsters who impressed, with O’Neill and assistant Roy Keane observing events.

It was Bridcutt himself who arguably made the strongest claim for a place in O'Neill's first team squad, producing an accomplished, combative and busy display in the heart of the midfield, for the most part.

The 29-year-old dominated the engine room and gave the Reds a platform from which to wear down United, who struggled to force any clear-cut chances of note against a resolute Forest defensive unit.

And he used his opportunity to impress the boss suitably with the hope of a first-team recall.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion player has been on the doldrums at the City Ground for some time now and must be sick to death of being shunned time and time again.

Hopefully, for Bridcutt, this U23s performance is the catalyst to his Forest revival having been left facing misfortune since the start of the campaign.

Bridcutt must feel this is last chance saloon and needs to be professional and patient as it is a case of now or never for the midfielder.