Nottingham Forest boss Martin O'Neill has spent the past few games experimenting with his line up after it became clear that the Reds wouldn't be able to finish in the top six.

The focus is already on next season and working out which of the many players he has in his squad will be needed and who can be involved in what they will hope can be a promotion push.

And, it's fair to say there are a few promising signs, with Forest heading into the final game of the campaign having recorded back-to-back wins, and clean sheets, against Middlesbrough and QPR.

Yet, the most impressive aspect of Forest over the past few games is how they players in the final third have linked up.

In Joe Lolley, the East Midlands outfit boast a talented and consistent performer, who is undoubtedly going to be crucial to the side moving forward.

He has been joined by the gifted Joao Carvalho, whilst Karim Ansarifard has lead the line and the trio look as though they can combine to devastating effect at this level.

[ad_pod ]

Carvalho is integral to that, with the Portuguese playmaker capable of pulling the strings and finding passes that few others in the Forest squad, or even the league, can see.

O'Neill seemed reluctant to give the former Benfica man a run but he has shown in the last two games, particularly against Boro, that in the right team he can be the creative asset that any team would love to have.

His technique and vision work well with Lolley who is intelligent in his movement and finding space which allow him to contribute a lot of goals for someone who doesn't operate as a striker.

Many people were aware that Lolley and Carvalho were quality players, so perhaps the most pleasing aspect of recent games has been the displays of Ansarifard.

Has has flourished with the duo behind him and is good for them as his movement can help create space as he can play on the shoulder looking for ball behind, whilst the Iran international can also link play as he has a decent first touch.

Ultimately, O'Neill has been wise to use these last few games to have a look at his squad and he must surely be enjoying what he has seen from his team with his attacking trio making a case to say they could be what Forest need next season.