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Nottingham Forest expected to pursue Dean Henderson exemption from Manchester United

Nottingham Forest expected to pursue Dean Henderson exemption from Manchester United
Dean Henderson saves from Wolves’ Joe Hodge in the penalty shoot-out to send Forest into the Carabao Cup semi-finals, © PA Wire/PA Images

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says his side will possibly pursue Manchester United for permission to play goalkeeper Dean Henderson in the Carabao Cup.

Henderson is ineligible for the tie as he is on loan from the Old Trafford club and would require written permission from United to feature against them.

While it looks unlikely at this stage, Cooper says his club will likely go down that avenue anyway.

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"Obviously, it’s something we will look into the possibility of pursuing," he said.

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"But it’s all just talk at the minute, I guess.

"We haven’t really had a chance to breathe since the game. We’ll pick that up as and when."

The England shot-stopper was crucial in Forest's progression to the semi-finals, following a penalty shootout victory after the tie ended level a goal apiece.

He starred against Wolves at the City Ground with a man-of-the-match performance in normal time, followed up with two penalty saves in the shootout.

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Forest will return to Premier League action against Leicester on Saturday.

Willy Boly, who scored to put Forest in front at the City Ground, limped off with an ankle injury and will be assessed.

Speaking about the injury situation at the club, Cooper said: "We’ve got an injury record that we’re not particularly fond of at the moment, and that may have been added to last night.

"We haven’t assessed the players yet because they are in a little bit later, so there’s no news of absolute guarantees of player availability from last night.

"Fingers crossed on a couple of things. The last thing we want is more numbers on that list than what we already have.

"But, as I always say, next man up. We’ll work with the players who are available. It’s a great game to look forward to."

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