BILLY Davies insists he does not fear losing Lewis McGugan on a free transfer in the summer – and has told the midfielder to keep putting himself in the spotlight at Nottingham Forest.
McGugan is out of contract in the summer and could walk away on a Bosman free transfer.
He demonstrated his importance to the side again as he netted his fifth goal in five games, scoring from the penalty spot deep into injury time, to secure a 1-1 draw at Burnley and extend the unbeaten run under Davies to nine games.
McGugan's form is sure to have attracted the attention of plenty of potential suitors. But Davies is not concerned – as long as he keeps firing on all cylinders for the Reds until the end of the campaign.
"I have spoken to Lewis McGugan. He has scored five goals for us now. He showed tremendous courage with the penalty," said Davies. "And he knows my feelings about him.
"We will remain focused on the remaining games. Then we will sort out the things that need sorting in the future.
"I don't worry about losing players. They come and go.
"We make our intentions clear to players. When we want them to stay, we will offer them what we can financially speaking.
"If they decide to move on to pastures new, I do not lose too much sleep about it.
"There are far too many players out there to worry about that. He knows my feelings, he knows my position and he knows how much he is wanted at this club."
The Scotsman was impressed with the character shown by his side, as they fought their way back from behind for the second time in the space of a few days.
"This side never gives in. They have tremendous determination. We are delighted with a point at a very strong club and against a side who had an extra 24 hours to recover than us," said the manager.
"We had to make six changes, so we were very pleased with the result. I keep reminding these players to take one game at a time.
"Forget about the position in the league; forget about where you are. Just make sure you enjoy competing in the top six in the league.
"Let's just look at the next match and see where it takes us."
Forest did not produce their best performance of Davies' second spell in charge, in a game in which neither side really got into their stride at Turf Moor.
"I apologise to both sets of fans for what was a terrible game. It was a terrible spectacle for anyone to come and pay money to witness," said Davies. "There was a swirling wind and we were forced to make changes and they had an extra 24 hours to recover from it.
"But our first half performance, the energy and passion we showed, was not good enough.
"In the second half, the first goal felt like it was going to be the winner. They got it, when we should have produced better defensive cover from our corner.
"We made some changes and I thought we would get an equaliser. We should have had a penalty before we finally got one.
"It was a fantastic point, but it was a terrible spectacle."
Match report: Page 42
