Three former players Martin O’Neill could target at Nottingham Forest

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The former Republic of Ireland manager is expected to be named Aitor Karanka’s successor.

Martin O’Neill is set to be named the new manager of Nottingham Forest, according to the BBC and various others.

But which (if any) of the former Forest winger’s old players could emerge as January targets, following his appointment?

HITC Sport takes a look…

David Marshall (Hull City)

Marshall made his professional debut under O’Neill at Celtic 15 years ago. Now 33, the Hull ‘keeper recently entered the final six months of his contract and would be a useful addition to a Nottingham Forest side whose current first choice, Costel Pantilimon, has struggled to convince this season.

Callum Robinson (Preston North End)

Just a youngster during O’Neill’s Aston Villa reign, Robinson finally got a chance to play for the 66-year-old with Ireland, for whom he made his debut and earned five further caps in 2018. The Preston winger had scored 10 goals and set up three by the time injury struck in late November. He is expected to remain sidelined until the end of February, although Forest could be tempted into a January move should Gil Dias and/or Diogo Goncalves depart.

Shane Long (Southampton)

Though one of O’Neill’s Ireland regulars, Long has been used sparingly at club level of late. And Southampton could look to move on their once-£12 million recruit as they seek to raise funds for a new manager of their own, Ralph Hasenhuttl. Lewis Grabban aside, no Nottingham Forest striker has scored more than five goals this season, and Long could be a welcome addition.