NOTTINGHAM Forest's players "still believe" they can secure their play-off dream.
Elliott Ward today brushed off suggestions that the Reds are starting to stumble as the Championship season draws to a close.
And, with three games left, he launched a passionate battle cry, insisting Billy Davies' squad want to crank up the pressure on themselves further – by securing the chance to play on the big stage at Wembley.
The defender knows Forest need to get back to winning ways against struggling Barnsley today, if they are to revive their play-off hopes.
But he believes they have the mental strength to cope with the challenge, insisting: "This is what you play football for. We are in this game because of what it is.
"We want to play in front of big crowds; we want to play at Wembley.
"You have to be confident in yourself, in your ability and in your strength as a team.
"You have to get on with it and, if you are not strong enough, you do get found out. But we believe that we can achieve something. We believe we can do it."
And both Ward and manager Davies joined in an appeal for supporters to throw their weight behind their team at the City Ground this afternoon – and on the final day when local rivals Leicester City visit.
"The fans can play a big part, without a doubt. Two of the last three games are at home, so that is important," said Ward. "I am sure they will be nervous, but we will go out there with confidence; with self belief. We believe we can win, we are confident we can do it – but we need them to be right behind us."
And boss Davies echoed those sentiments, saying: "My message to the fans is clear – if they do what they do really well, they can be a big help to this group.
"They will be so important in helping us get the three points. I ask that they stay positive, get behind the team and give encouragement to every single player."
