Premier League: We Missed Awoniyi, Says Forest Playmaker

Premier League: We Missed Awoniyi, Says Forest Playmaker

Sampson Adedeji

Following their stalemate against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Nottingham Forest playmaker Gibbs White has played down the insinuations that the absence of the Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi was responsible for their inability to win, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Forest held Crystal Palace to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park and many believe the absence of the Super Eagles striker hampered them.

While speaking on the game, White acknowledged the importance of Awoniyi to the team but refused to agree that his absence affected their performance.

"We have different strikers that can play a different sort of role," he told Sky Sports.

Credit to Woody [Chris Wood] he's an incredible player and he gives us something completely different to Taiwo.

 "We felt like we missed Taiwo's speed in behind, but we had Woody's hold-up play and I think that's what we needed against Mark and Anderson, they're very good defenders.

"I felt like Woody held the ball up well. He gives us a different aspect of the game.

"But yes, he [Awoniyi] started the season off Incredibly and, unfortunately, he's gonna be out but yeah, like I said we've got good competition in the group now so we will miss him, but we've got other people that can do the job."