CHRIS Cohen was given the chance to play in midfield for the first time since Billy Davies returned to Nottingham Forest, as the manager made two changes for the massive local derby clash with Leicester City.
Cohen returned from a thigh injury, but was drafted into midfield, rather than resuming his recent position at left back.
The other change saw Darius Henderson restored up front, after he had completed his three match suspension.
The two players to miss out were Billy Sharp and Radi Majewski, who both dropped to a hugely attack minded bench.
Forest – and Leicester - went into the game needing a win, with Forest capable of overtaking Palace if they lose to Peterborough and Bolton if they slipped up against Blackpool.
The Foxes were without defender Paul Konchesky, who failed a fitness test and was replaced at left back by Jeff Schlupp, with David Nugent restored to the front line.
Forest: Darlow, Halford, Ward, Collins, Harding, Guedioura, Cohen, Reid, Lansbury, Cox, Henderson. Subs: Al Rashidi, McGugan, Tudgay, Blackstock, Sharp, Ayala, Majewski.
Leicester: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, King, Dyer, Keane, James, Schlupp, Knockaert, Nugent, Wood. Subs: Drinkwater, Marshall, Vardy, Logan, Gallagher, Moore, Kane.
Referee: Mike Dean.