Influential midfielder Ben Watson has cited new club Nottingham Forest as the biggest outfit he has ever turned out for and concedes that he has joined the East Midlands-based side to help them end a period of almost 20 years which last saw them grace the Premier League.

Watson put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half year deal with the Reds shortly after the transfer window closed having been released from Watford on deadline day at the end of January.

The 32-year-old is perhaps a surprising capture for the Reds considering that he was a constant presence in the Hornets' squad during the first half of the campaign and his excessive top flight experience makes him an astonishing capture for Forest boss Aitor Karanka.

With Forest facing a battle not to become embroiled in a relegation battle in the Championship, Watson is under no illusions where his immediate priorities lie.

Speaking to the Nottingham Post, he said: "History wise, this is the biggest football club I have played for. Everyone knows this is a massive club, one that has won two European Cups.

"But that is all in the past now. Nottingham Forest, as a club, have probably underachieved for the last 20 years.

"It is a Premier League club for sure, but you have to get there by earning the right to be there.

"At this moment in time we are seven points off relegation in the Championship, so taking about the Premier League, at the minute - while that might be where everyone wants to be - you have to take small steps.

"We all want to be there but it will take time. I came to win promotion but we cannot look any further than this season.

Watson is in line for his debut when Forest travel to face bottom side Burton Albion in the Championship and his experience could prove a vital attribute to the Reds between now and the end of the campaign.

The Verdict

Ben Watson is an astute signing for a club in Forest's current position and he could have a big say in what the Reds achieve between now and the end of the campaign.

The Forest squad isn't blessed with loads of leadership qualities but Watson has been there and seen it all when it comes to playing in the top two divisions and he could be a massive player for the club's younger players to learn from.

The man who netted the winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final in 2013 should start for Forest at Burton tomorrow and the club will be hoping he hits the ground running.

Nottingham Forest fans, what do you make to the signing of Watson? Let us know in the comments below!!!