Awoniyi will be back to his best — Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo declares

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is gradually working his way back to his best form, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo is optimistic about his progress.

Awoniyi, 26, has started just two games this season due to fitness issues.

However, he made his first league start against Fulham last weekend, and although Forest lost 1-0, the Super Eagles man showed glimpses of his quality.

"Taiwo is coming back," Santo said after Forest's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

"It's been a while since he started. He played 45 minutes against Fulham last week and created a lot of situations."

Santo considered pairing Awoniyi with Chris Wood against Chelsea but ultimately decided against it.

"It was an option to put him alongside Wood," he revealed. "It's something we have to work on and improve because it can give us good results."

Despite Awoniyi's slow start to the season, Santo remains confident in the Nigerian striker's abilities.

"All the strikers need that moment, and we are counting on him."