Nuno says Forest FA Cup run can boost Premier League campaign

Nuno Espirito Santo believes an FA Cup run for Nottingham Forest could boost their efforts to finish in the top four of the Premier League after they squeaked through to the fifth round on penalties.

Forest needed a penalty shootout to see off Exeter following a 2-2 draw away to the third-tier club on Tuesday.

Victory left Nuno’s men, third in the Premier League, as the highest-ranked team left in this season’s FA Cup, with Arsenal and Liverpool already knocked out.

Forest face a busy schedule of games against Fulham, Newcastle and Arsenal ahead of their next FA Cup tie with Ipswich at the City Ground in early March.

But manager Nuno said the packed fixture list could be a bonus, believing he has the squad depth to compete on two fronts.

“If everyone has minutes in their legs it will make things easier for us (in the Premier League), I hope,” said the Portuguese boss.

“As long as we are healthy and have enough numbers, I think we can compete in both competitions really well.”

Nuno made 10 changes to the side that had thrashed Brighton 7-0 in Forest’s previous league fixture as they set up a fifth-round tie against fellow Premier league side Ipswich.

The former Wolves and Tottenham manager added: “Unfortunately, we cannot give minutes to all the players, so this is a reward (selection for Cup games) for all the players who are working so hard and the young boys.

“It is good for us. It is not resting players, it is taking care of all the squad.”

Forest last lifted the FA Cup in 1959, failing to win it even during their golden era under Brian Clough, who won multiple trophies during his managerial reign from 1975 until 1993.