Calderwood's faith pays off

Colin Calderwood believes his decision to keep faith with the Forest squad he inherited has paid off.

But he today warned his players not to lose focus after their unbeaten start.

He has made only one addition to the team he inherited from Gary Megson, keeper Paul Smith from Southampton.

And he believes the squad have responded perfectly to the faith he put in them. They go into tomorrow's visit of Brighton on the back of three consecutive victories. 'I always knew there was ability, but the attitude has been excellent as well, from the first day of pre-season,' he said.

'I hope that anyone who was left out knew that it wasn't their fault, because they knew they had given themselves a good chance of being picked.

'There were players returning who had not been here, they were like new signings. And there are injured players on their way back as well.'

Calderwood is determined to maintain a sense of perspective, however. 'It has been a great eight days - but the season is eight months long,' he said. 'There is improvement still to come.'

Calderwood believes Brighton will pose tough opposition.

'They are probably the favourites in the game, a team from a higher division coming down. What they did do last season is pick up some important away wins against good teams.

'They will be well organised, we know that. They have good players and it will be a test. We have to approach it aggressively, as if we are as desperate to win this as any match so far.'

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