Nottingham Forest must build their team around Scott McKenna and Joe Worrall if they're to make a surprise play-off push, according to Andy Hinchcliffe.

The Reds have endured a bitterly disappointing season so far after a torrid start set the tone for what would be a difficult campaign.

Chris Hughton took over as manager in the autumn and despite it being a bit of a slow-burner, there's been a real improvement over recent weeks as the club start to build momentum.

Forest are currently on a run of seven matches without defeat in all competitions - a run of form that has seen them concede just three times in that sequence.

A large part of that has been down to the central defensive pairing of McKenna and Worrall, and according to Hinchcliffe, it's these two players that will be pivotal in helping the club as they look to move towards the top half of the table and beyond.

Quiz: Did these 20 things happen to Nottingham Forest in 2020?

Speaking on the Sky Sports EFL Podcast, Hinchcliffe said: “If you’re looking at solid bases for teams that you need to challenge for a play-off place you need a very good goalkeeper, two strong centre-halves who play together consistently throughout the season and that gives you a very solid base.

“That’s what Forest had last season with Tobias Figueiredo and Worrall which gave other players the freedom to go and play.

“If Forest are to make the top six then it’ll be built on players like McKenna and Worrall giving them that platform.”

The Verdict

Things are certainly starting to look up for Nottingham Forest.

While their recent run of form has to be kept in perspective there's no doubt that supporters will be delighted at the progress that the club is making.

A push for the play-offs is probably a bit too much to ask, but if the club can finish in the top half and kick on next season then I'm sure that all fans will be happy.