The 2016/17 Championship campaign wielded little joy for Nottingham Forest as they struggled towards the bottom of the table for much of the season.

Philippe Montanier was shown the door after a poor spell at the club and after some deliberation, in came former Brentford and Rangers boss Mark Warburton.

The Englishman just about did enough to save his side from the drop on the final day of the season, guiding the Reds to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Ipswich.

But it’s the performances across the whole of the campaign last time out that has got Forest fans worried, but the return of one man in particular could do a lot to see the Reds progress up the table next time out.

The man in question? Britt Assombalonga, who has been superb for the Reds since his move from Peterborough a couple of years ago.

The Congolese-born striker has missed much of the campaign through injury but his two goals on the final day showed just how important he is in this side.

Of course, youngsters Ben Brereton and Zach Clough have done what they can in regards to leading the line but they’ve missed the power and experience Assombalonga has in his locker.

But if he can get fit and fully firing in the early weeks of the Championship, there’s always that risk Forest might lose him when January eventually rolls around.

There’s been interest in his services in the past and if he can show even a shred of the performance we saw on the final day of this season, Forest might struggle to keep ahold.

Forest fans - Just how important is Assombalonga to the Forest first team? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!