It has been a difficult season for Nottingham Forest so far, and if results don't start to pick up quickly then they could be just one of the teams fighting for Championship safety at the end of the season. 

Since the departure of Philippe Montanier in January, Gary Brazil and Jack Lester have come in and steadied the ship with some positive immediate results and some excellent recruits in the transfer window, but there is still plenty of work to be done before they can be labelled as safe from relegation.

On paper the East Midlands club are a hugely strong outfit who are certainly capable of challenging higher up the table, but this season they have found themselves at the wrong end of the table.

From now until the end of the season it is about whether the players Gary Brazil has at his disposal can lead the Reds to safety with some big performances.

Football League World writer Harry Webster takes a look at TWO Nottingham Forest players that need to seriously impress between now and the end of the season...

 

Jordan Smith

After Stephen Henderson's injury which has put him out of action until the end of the season and some shaky performances from Vladimir Stojkovic, Jordan Smith could be the man to play in the sticks from now until the end of the season.

Smith made his starting debut at the City Ground on Saturday and despite conceding two, the 22-year-old put in a confident display and made some excellent saves.

Forest have been poor defensively all season but if Smith can come in and impress then he could play a big role in their safety from relegation.

Ross McCormack

It was one of the coups of Deadline Day when the Reds announced that they signed Ross McCormack on loan until the end of the season, and his goals will be key if they are to stay in the division.

On his day the 30-year-old is one of the best strikers in the Championship and he will certainly be a real handful for opposition sides.

McCormack's form will play a big role in the Reds' chances of securing Championship football for another season, and he seriously needs to impress between now and the end of the season.

Nottingham Forest fans... Do both of these players need to impress between now and the end of the season? Who else is important in your battle for safety? Let us know what you think in the comments below!