Manager Joe Royle says he was impressed with Matt Richards's performance in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Wigan. Richards returned to the starting line-up at the JJB Stadium for the first time since the New Year's Day home loss to West Ham.

Royle said: "Matt did very well and was arguably as any player on the day. I was very pleased for him.

"He came to see me last week about what he had to improve and we had a good chat about his situation. He's a good lad with a terrific attitude and there's no doubt he wants to do it for this club."

Town have two slight worries ahead of Saturday's home game with resurgent Nottingham Forest. Richard Naylor has a tight hamstring picked up in training, while James Scowcroft has a minor groin strain. Both players are expected to be over the problems by Saturday.

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