Forest showing 'immense character' in European football push

It is 30 years since Nottingham Forest last spent Christmas inside the Premier League's top four.

Nuno Espirito Santo's messages are consistent: 'stay humble' and 'we haven't achieved anything yet' are words that have been used a few times in recent weeks, including after Saturday's win at Brentford.

Clearly Nuno needs to manage expectations. I don't think anybody, inside or outside of Nottingham, expected the Reds to be rattling on the gates of the Champions League this season.

But the direction of travel is really promising.

I have seen Forest's past two games and what they have shown in both matches is immense character.

Even watching their substitutes warm down on the side of the pitch at the weekend, once the crowds had gone home, there was an obviously relaxed and jovial mood on show. Playful hugs were being exchanged by some.

Undeniably, Forest have got that 'feel-good factor' about them right now.