This article is part of Football League World's 'Player View' series, this content strand is where we put ourselves in the shoes of a given player, and offer an opinion-based outlook on the situation at hand…

Nottingham Forest have made a promising start to the season under new head coach Sabri Lamouchi and are currently fifth in the Championship table.

The Reds will be looking to continue their momentum after the international break, when they will be boosted by the return of defender Yohan Benalouane.

The 32-year-old hasn't featured for Forest since April because of a hip injury, but returned to training recently and is expected to be available for selection again after the two-week break.

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Benalouane joined Forest in January this year and was able to establish himself as an important player for the Reds during the second half of last season.

The defender made 14 Championship appearances for Forest, as they just missed out on the play-offs under Martin O'Neill.

Benalouane is a passionate character and his committed, no-nonsense defensive style saw him quickly establish himself as a fans' favourite at the City Ground.

The Tunisian international was one of the first-choice central defenders under O'Neill last season, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to force his way into the team under Lamouchi.

The Frenchman has gone with Joe Worrall and Michael Dawson as his preferred partnership at centre-back, with Chema and Tobias Figueiredo acting as back-up options.

Benalouane has got plenty of experience and he proved with his performances last season that he's more than capable of making an impact in the Championship, but he could have his work cut out when it comes to getting back into the team.

Just because he was an important player under O'Neill, there's no guarantee that he'll be able to force his way into Lamouchi's plans.

This is something that ex-Forest defender Alexander Milosevic will know all too well. The Swedish centre-back joined the Reds in February and was a key player under O'Neill, but he left the club last month after failing to make an appearance under Lamouchi.

Of course, things can change very quickly in football, and there's every possibility that an injury or suspension could open the door for Benalouane to return to the first team, but he may have to be patient.

After months on the sidelines, the defender will be determined to make an impact upon his return to full fitness, but with so much competition at centre-back, that may prove to be easier said than done.

In the meantime, all he can do is keep working hard on the training pitch and try to convince Lamouchi that he deserves to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.