Joe Lolley issues honest view on his last few months at Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest’s Joe Lolley has commented on his difficult last few months with the club.

The winger has been absent through a combination of injury and illness which has left him struggling for game time in the side.

Lolley only featured for the first time in 2022 earlier this month with two appearances off the bench against Sheffield United and then QPR.

The FA Cup quarter final defeat to Liverpool last weekend was his first start of the calendar year.

But Lolley now believes he has a spring in his step following his return to action in recent weeks despite a difficult previous few months.

The 29-year old has admitted his body let him down but has claimed he is ready to step into Steve Cooper’s side whenever needed.

“It can be difficult. You beat yourself up a bit because you know you’re not playing,” said Lolley, via Nottinghamshire Live.

“You go into the games and you know you’re physically ready. It’s up to you then, to make sure you are mentally switched on.

“I haven’t been too involved and it does knock your confidence somewhat. But feeling part of it, getting some touches on the ball and doing positive things, it’s nice for me.

“I’d say my body has probably let me down a bit over the last 18 months or so. Being able to beat a few players, it gives you a bit of a spring in your step, knowing that there’s still a bit of life there!”

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Joe Lolley

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Lolley has only featured 18 times in the Championship for Forest this season.

Of those 18 appearances, only nine have come from the start as Lolley has fallen down the pecking order at the club.

But the experienced player could still play a vital role as the Reds push for a promotion place this campaign.

Forest sit ninth in the second division table, with a three-point gap to sixth place Blackburn Rovers but with three games in hand.

The Verdict

Injuries and illness setting Lolley back so far will always knock a player’s confidence.

But he can still contribute a lot with still so much of the season to play for Forest.

Their games in hand mean they will have a busier schedule than their rivals to close out the campaign.

That means Lolley will surely get his chances to make an impact on Forest’s season as they chase a top six finish.