Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson reacts to Joe Worrall criticism

Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson is not surprised by fan criticism of Joe Worrall, but he does not believe the FA Cup tie against Blackpool was the easy environment to return to the starting XI people might think.

Worrall has had a tough season on and off the pitch with the tragic death of his uncle, police sergeant Graham Saville, in the line of duty, before finding himself exiled from the first team squad under Steve Cooper.

He has returned to the fold under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo and did well off the bench in the win against Newcastle United. However, he was questioned for his performance in his first start since September in the 2-2 draw against Blackpool in the FA Cup.

Dawson says fan criticism is to be expected and Worrall must look to step up his performances if he is to keep his place when Willy Boly and Moussa Niakhate return from AFCON in the next two to five games time depending on their progress in the tournament.

Soccer Saturday pundit Dawson told Forest Focus: "Fans are critical. They pay their money, they demand and they expect. Why not? You set the bar high. The year we got back to the Premier League Joe was magnificent, but then it's the next level.

"In the Premier League there is no hiding place. We're seeing the gulf between the Premier League and Championship. Last season he did well.

"This season it's been hard for him. He's naturally a fit boy. He's not like me as someone who needed four or five games to feel like I could run all the time and be fit and physical. Joe has that all the time.

"He's been through a lot with his uncle. He's been out the team and then when you come back in it's not easy, especially against Blackpool. You turn up as a Premier League team and you're expected to roll the League One team over - doesn't always work like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHuBwh8DWUE

"You win 3-0 and it's expected. If you draw when you go behind then you come under scrutiny. That's when the mental side is tested and people around you have to help you. I always say in football, it's not always the physical aspect, it's the mental side that drains you. I've noticed that since I finished. Day in, day out you train with a focus on Saturday. If you win, you're top of the world on Saturday night and Sunday but then on Monday you're back to training again with that focus.

"You don't have time to enjoy wins and it can be hard, especially when you aren't winning, as happened to the Forest lads before their recent wins.

"The last thing you want is a Cup replay away. It will be hard for them. The pitch won't be as good and stuff like that. For Blackpool the game was a cup final at the City Ground against a Premier League team. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain. They will feel they missed out at 2-0 but they get another opportunity."