STUART Pearce admits he is facing his biggest headache yet as Nottingham Forest manager, as he looks to pick a team to extend the Reds' unbeaten start to the season at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.
Pearce (pictured) has seen a host of players prove their fitness this week, following lengthy spells on the sidelines.
And for the first time he could have an almost fully fit squad to choose from.
Jamaal Lascelles, Kelvin Wilson, Henri Lansbury and David Vaughan have all made their return from injury, while Jack Hobbs is also expected to be fit to face the Owls.
With Robert Tesche and Lars Veldwijk having impressed on their full debuts at Huddersfield, where Forest made seven changes to their starting XI.
And with Chris Cohen and Andy Reid both having been rested from the squad completely in the Capital One Cup Pearce suddenly has an array of options, following an injury-hit start to the campaign.
"This will be the hardest team selection yet, no doubt," said Pearce. "Prior to today, I would not say it has been easy, because I have always had choices to make.
"But, from what I have seen over the last six matches, with the personnel coming back and with having the vast majority of my squad available for selection, it does make it so much harder.
"Prior to Huddersfield, I watched the under-21 side and Vaughan and Wilson put on fantastic performances. Those two, along with those who came into the side at Huddersfield, have given me a lot to think about.
"I do have a team in my mind – but it keeps changing! I do have my own ideas about these things, but I do like to put it to the floor as well and speak to my coaching staff. It is a team effort and I value their opinion. That is how I like to work."
Pearce has been keeping a careful eye on Burnley transfer target Lansbury in particular, to make sure he is right mentally, as well as physically.
"Lansbury has shown that he is ready if I need him," said Pearce. "He, by his own admission, would say that his head was not in the right place, with thoughts of a move away from this club.
"But I see a different gentleman around the training ground, the smile is back on his face – at least when you can see it behind his beard.
"Physically, he looked pretty good. He has got a cutting edge with his passing and he can score goals.
"Henri, I would not say he is a fantastic addition, because he was always one of our players.
"But he gives me another option, now he is fit. There had been players who had been patient, sat around waiting for their chance. They needed to come in.
"They have to put performances on to say to me 'I am ready for a first team start in the league'. I think they have done that."
Michail Antonio, Eric Lichaj and Hobbs are all expected to be fit to fight for their places, as well.
"Michail Antonio should be fit, he had a slight tightness in the muscle near his thigh, but we feel he will be fine," said Pearce. "Eric Lichaj also had a slight tightness in his muscle and might be slightly more of a doubt.
"But we also hope that he will be available for selection. Hobbs did not feature on Tuesday as he had a little niggle, but he is back in contention."
