Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi has warned centre-back Joe Worrall not to lose focus after an impressive start to the season.

The 22-year-old has been an integral player for the Reds this season, playing every minute of every game so far.

The Englishman spent last season on loan at Rangers but appears to have impressed Lamouchi since returning to the club.

Speaking to the Nottingham Post, the Frenchman was full of praise for Worrall.

He said: “For me, Joe has been a good surprise. From the first week, he has improved a lot.

“He understood exactly what I want from him–what I want and what I don’t want. Especially, a defender must be a defensive player first; play simple, be aggressive, be focused.

“He is doing that. He has natural leadership.”

Lamouchi added that the defender needed to remain focussed moving forward.

He said: “He can play much better, of course, but I am so satisfied for the moment with his attitude.

“But he can’t stop. He can’t lose focus.

“He must be really focused all games until the 95th minute, in all situations, because in one second we can give something to the opponent.

“He is not so young. He is very mature. He just needs to keep talking.

“He is focused on his position. His position is very crucial. He needs to play with more attention, be more simple with the ball.”

Forest travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham tomorrow.

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The Verdict

Worrall has made a really solid start to the season at the heart of Forest’s defence and is beginning to form a good partnership with Michael Dawson.

The 22-year-old was linked with a move away from the City Ground this summer and early indications are that keeping him at the club was an excellent decision.

There is a long way to go but so far Worrall has looked like he could be an important player for the Reds this season.