By Korede James
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has passed Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi fit to play against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Concussion protocols ruled Awoniyi out of last Saturday’s 2-1 English Premier League defeat at Fulham after he was involved in a nasty collision during Forests’ FA Cup win over Exeter City.
The Nigeria international is expected to wear a protective mask at St James’ Park after he also suffered a broken nose in the fourth round tie against Exeter which he was on target.
However, Awoniyi has now been given the green light to feature in Sunday’s encounter at Newcastle United.
“He is clear on his concussion protocols so he is available,” Nuno said during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “He will have to wear a mask, but he is OK.”
Forest go into the game against the Magpies looking to bounce back from successive away defeats in the Premier League.
They are currently third in the table but have seen Manchester City, in fourth, cut the gap to just three points.
On Forest’s position in the league and facing the final 13 Premier League matches Nuno said: “We are in a good position.
“We are enjoying ourselves, realising every game is difficult.
“This is where we are.
“We are trying to compete until the end and do it well but always believing that we’re in a good position.
“We have a healthy squad and we have solutions.
“We have competed well [so far] and this is what we expect in the final stage of the season.”
