Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka has praised Tendayi Darikwa with the right back seriously impressing in recent weeks.

Since the former Burnley man came into the team, the Reds have gone on a three-game unbeaten run, which includes Saturday’s emphatic victory at QPR.

Although the pair played together at Burton, Eric Lichaj's suspension has given Darikwa an extended run in the team, and he has performed well.

That hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Karanka delighted by the 26-year old's attitude and also claiming he is a positive example to others.

I am really pleased with Tendayi, because he is the kind of player who is a very good example to everyone,” he told the Nottingham Post.

If you train well and train in the right way; if you show you are ready, the chance will always arrive. It has been a shame for me (to leave him out previously) because he is the kind of player who always trains well. He always tries his best.”

With Lichaj still suspended this weekend, Darikwa is a certainty to start against Birmingham although it will be interesting to see what happens when the American, who has been fantastic for Forest, returns.

The Verdict

Players like Darikwa are exactly what all managers will want. He has been out the team but remained professional and took his chance when it came.

After a slow start to his career at the City Ground, he is now showing what he can do.

The fact that Karanka will have a genuine selection dilemma at right-back when Lichaj returns demonstrates how well Darikwa has done.

Thoughts, Forest fans? Let us know in the comments below.