Steve Cooper has confirmed that striker Taiwo Awoniyi is edging closer to returning to training after his injury that he picked up against Brentford.

The 26-year-old appeared to be fine after his substitution against Thomas Frank's side, but the Nigerian striker missed the Reds' trip to face Crystal Palace before the international break.

He's since missed Nigeria's game against Saudi Arabia, with the striker continuing his rehab at the Nottingham Forest.

Cooper spoke in his pre-match press conference today, admitting that Awoniyi is getting closer to a return.

"Taiwo Awoniyi is progressing well, he's not far off some training so let's see how the next week goes.

"Obviously you want everyone fit, but that's often not the case so we'll work with the players who are available and get ready for the game."

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Cooper explained after the 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park that Awoniyi would be missing for at least a month after his injury against Brentford.

No disrespect to Chris Wood or Divock Origi, but Awoniyi is a step ahead of the pair in terms of all-round centre forward play.

The 26-year-old is the Reds' top scorer this season, with Forest failing to hit the back of the net without him last time out against Palace.