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Mark Warburton has got one combination spot on at Nottingham Forest

Mark Warburton manager of Nottingham Forest looks on during the pre season friendly match between Nottingham Forest and Burnley at the City Ground ...
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Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton has struck a great balance of youth and experience in his squad.

Mark Warburton, manager of Nottingham Forest looks on prior to the Carabao Cup First Round match between Nottingham Forest and Shrewsbury Town at the City Ground on August 8, 2017 in...

Three wins out of four suggests that things are starting to come together for Nottingham Forest.

It has not been a perfect start to the season by any means – their defence needs some reconstruction and they lost 2-0 to arch-rivals Derby County.

But they sit just two points adrift of the playoffs having only survived relegation on goal difference last season.

This progress stems from an excellent summer transfer window in which manager Mark Warburton found the perfect balance of youthful exuberance and Championship experience.

Ben Osborn of Nottingham Forest in action during a pre-season friendly match between Notts County and Nottingham Forest at Meadow Lane on July 19, 2017 in Nottingham, England.

There was already lots of homegrown talent at the City Ground who needed Warburton’s direction – Jordan Smith, Joe Worrall, Ben Osborn and Ben Brereton.

Now the additions of Kieran Dowell, Barrie McKay and, to a lesser extent, Jason Cummings – all 22 or under – have given Forest’s attack more verve and excitement.

And with 34-year-old striker Daryl Murphy, Forest have a proven goalscorer who can take the pressure off them.

Daryl Murphy of Nottingham Forest scores his teams 2nd goal from the penalty spot during the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough at City Ground on August...

Midfielder Liam Bridcutt is another been-there-and-done-it signing who has added important wisdom to the squad.

Warburton has shown a desire to work with young players throughout his career, and at Forest he has surrounded them with veterans like David Vaughan and Michael Mancienne.

It is a combination which has got Forest on the winning trail ahead of tonight’s trip to Reading.