Nottingham Forest manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Tendayi Darikwa could be available for tonight's clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

The 27-year-old has been a regular for O'Neill since the latter's arrival in January, making 31 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season and fighting off competition from Saidy Janko to nail down his place at right-back.

But the right-back missed Forest's 2-1 defeat to Rotherham United at the weekend, after picking up a reoccurring hamstring injury which he sustained against Swansea City the previous week.

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Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Yorkshire, O'Neill revealed to the Nottingham Post that the defender could be available for selection at Hillsborough tonight.

He said: "Tendayi had a hamstring problem after the game against Swansea and it was a tough afternoon for him, against a really decent player, in Dan James.

“When you are one-on-one against a winger, all day long, it can be a long job. But he trained today and we will see whether he is right. He felt a lot better, which is fine. But you are always concerned about hamstrings.

"From here on in, I will try to give you an update on injuries, but sometimes the opposition will be listening to these things. Maybe they might change things accordingly.

"I would do the same thing. Remember the situation with Leeds... maybe somebody is listening in today. I want to try to get this team up. I intend to do it."

Forest will be desperate to get back to winning ways against the Owls tonight, after a bitterly disappointing result at the weekend.

The pressure is building for O'Neill, whose side now occupy ninth spot in the Sky Bet Championship table and sit five points off the top six places.

The Verdict

To have Darikwa back would be a massive boost for Forest, as he provides real solidarity and energy down the right-hand flank for the Reds.

He has been a regular for O'Neill since he replaced Aitor Karanka as manager, and is playing his best football under the Irishman despite their recent slump.

Darikwa will know that he has to be at the best of his game over the next few weeks though, especially with Sam Byram stepping up his return to first-team action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Thoughts? Let us know!