This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi will have been glad his side got back to winning ways with back to back victories prior to the international break, that has stopped his side's slip down the table following defeats to Wigan Athletic and Hull City.

When Forest kick off again against Bristol City in just under a fortnight, Lamouchi will have to decide whether to bring experienced defender Michael Dawson back into the fold, with him now being now fit and available following injury.

So should Lamouchi select Dawson after the international break?

We discuss.........

Josh Cole

“Although Forest produced an inspired performance in Dawson’s absence last weekend, it could be beneficial for Lamouchi to recall the defender to his starting eleven after the international break.

“Having missed a handful of games due to injury, the former Hull City man would have been hoping to make a real impact in the East Midlands Derby for the Reds.

“However, Lamouchi opted to leave him on the substitutes bench with Joe Worrall and Tobias Figuiredo being tasked with protecting goalkeeper Brice Samba.

“Considering that rushing Dawson back into action could have resulted in a further injury setback, it could be argued that in the grand scheme of things, this was the right call by Lamouchi.

“Providing that the 35-year-old can hit the ground running when he does return to first-team action, he may end up playing a key role in helping the club secure a top-six finish next May.”

Ben Lang

"This will be a difficult call for Lamouchi to make given that Figueiredo and Worrall have helped Forest win their last two matches, but Dawson will surely earn his place back in the side eventually.

"I think it would be harsh for Lamouchi to break up the current centre-back pairing given their recent success, so he may persist with the duo for a short period after the international break, but Dawson should then win his place back.

"The former Tottenham man is the club's captain and he must start in the side whenever fit, while it should also be remembered that Forest went nine games unbeaten before Dawson's absence, and they have lost two out of the six games he has missed.

"Dawson is capable of adding much to this Forest squad in terms of his leadership qualities and defensive capabilities, so it is important that Lamouchi makes a strong, level-headed decision when he elects when to re-include Dawson in the side."

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Jordan Rushworth

“Given Nottingham Forest managed to both record a vital victory and clean sheet on Saturday against rivals Derby County, Sabri Lamouchi might be reluctant to make changes to his defence against Bristol City after the international break.”

“The Reds though have certainly missed Michael Dawson during his absence through injury, with Forest looking vulnerable defensively at times in recent defeats at Wigan Athletic and at home to Hull City – and the defender’s leadership would definitely add extra solidity.

“Dawson formed an excellent partnership with Joe Worrall in the first few months of the campaign, and the Reds would only benefit from re-establishing that partnership at the centre of their defence, so Lamouchi should certainly consider the change.

“It would be harsh on Figueiredo who performed very well on Saturday against Derby, but Nottingham Forest will be needing their most influential players in their starting line-up over the next few months if they are to continue their promotion bid.”