Nottingham Forest fans are justifiably optimistic after Aitor Karanka was confirmed as the club’s new manager ahead of this weekend’s game against Aston Villa.

The Spaniard has a fine track record in the Championship having taken Middlesbrough to the Premier League and promotion will be the long-term aim at the City Ground.

Many had hoped the club would make a push for the play-offs this season, however that hasn’t really materialised.

The Reds are currently 11 points behind sixth place and have been incredibly inconsistent throughout this campaign so far.

Forest’s problems have been clear, they struggle to keep clean sheets, and that’s something Karanka is expected to rectify given how solid his Boro side were.

He will be working with a talented squad and Karanka could delve into the market if he feels it's needed. So, with that in mind, is a top six finish possible for his new side this season?

We take a look…

George Dagless

I think they'll just miss out.

Forest will give anyone a game but they'll also give anyone a chance too.

Aitor Karanka has been brought in to sort the defensive side of things out but will he be able to do that quickly enough for a play-off place?

I just think a top six spot next year looks the more attainable target.

Sam Preston

No chance. I expect Karanka to make them more solid and organised but the top six is too far off for them already.

They are riding high after the FA Cup win over Arsenal and there is a feel good factor around the club right now, which they need to maintain.

However, there are too many big clubs ahead of them for the play-offs to be on the cards this season.

Luke Randall

Definitely not.

Although Karanka may be a genius, it's too far out of reach for Forest with them not even promised a fine run of form.

In a squad that could do with a few more additions, it looks to be an impossible task for them this season.