Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka has announced that new signing Ben Watson will wear the captain's armband when he is selected to play for the club between now and the end of the season, according to an article in the Nottingham Post.

Watson joined Forest on a two-and-a-half year deal shortly after his contract with Premier League outfit Watford was terminated on transfer deadline day, with the midfielder's arrival representing something of a coup for the East Midlands-based club.

Spanish boss Karanka had taken the decision name Watson as captain in Saturday's game at Burton Albion, even if previous skipper Michael Mancienne had been selected, although the former Chelsea man fell ill prior to kick-off.

The ex-Middlesbrough manager has not taken this decision lightly and told the Nottingham Post that he had discussed the situation with both players.

He said: "I was speaking with Mancienne and Watson about the captaincy and the armband. They have known since Thursday that Ben was going to be the captain.

"He will retain the armband for the rest of the campaign, but it is important to have five or six captains in the changing room, because one day Ben will not play and we will need someone else."

Industrious midfielder Watson should be in line to make his home debut for Forest when Reading arrive at the City Ground on Tuesday evening.

The Verdict

This is undoubtedly good news for Nottingham Forest and shows exactly why Aitor Karanka persisted on signing Ben Watson.

Having played in the Premier League for a large proportion of his career, it makes perfect sense that the central midfielder takes ownership of the armband given that the Forest side is so youthful.

Forest need players like Watson if they are to arrest their current poor form and he looks set to play a key role in the side between now and the end of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest fans, what do you make to this news? Let us know in the comments below!!!