'A big plus' - Super Eagles defender Ola Aina credited with Nottingham Forest resurgence

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Andy Reid has emphasised the decisive role Ola Aina plays for Nottingham Forest, describing his absence earlier in the campaign as a significant blow for the club.

The Super Eagles defender, who established himself as one of the Premier League's finest full-backs during the previous season, emerged as a key figure in Forest's successful survival battle.

His outstanding performances attracted attention from elite clubs, including Manchester City, before he pledged his future to the City Ground by signing a contract extension.

After an encouraging opening to the current season, a hamstring injury sustained in September during an international duty with Nigeria forced him to the sidelines until January. During his spell on the treatment table, the team's form suffered a marked deterioration.

Since returning to full fitness, Aina has become a permanent fixture in the starting eleven, and his influence has been unmistakable. Forest have shown considerably more resilience, suffering defeat in just two of their last five matches in normal time.

The full-back who has also been praised by the fans produced an exceptional performance in the recent 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, providing a composed and disciplined defensive exhibition that proved crucial in claiming a share of the points, particularly after the side was reduced to ten men following a red card.

"He was a big miss when he was out. He is a big plus for this team coming back in. What he does, not just defensively but what he does going forward as well and then you couple that with the personality that he brings in," Reid told Sky Sports.

The pundit expanded on the attributes the Nigerian brings to Sean Dyche's squad, highlighting his all-round contribution to the team's defensive and attacking play.

"He definitely brings that personality, brings that defensive solidity, his pace but also going forward is a real threat as well. So Dyche will be delighted to have him back," Reid added.

While Nottingham Forest battle to preserve their Premier League status, currently 17th in the table, Aina's sustained excellence will prove essential in their efforts to climb away from the relegation zone before the campaign reaches its conclusion.

The Nigeria international's combination of defensive reliability and attacking threat has made him indispensable to Forest's survival hopes, with manager Dyche undoubtedly relieved to have such an influential figure available for the final months of what promises to be a tense fight for top-flight safety.