Ally McCoist: UEFA Europa League 'juggling act' could distract Nottingham Forest from Premier League survival

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Nottingham Forest's UEFA Europa League play-off spot could spell trouble for their chances of Premier League survival, if they fail the juggling act of playing on both fronts, admits Ally McCoist. Sean Dyche's side beat Ferencvaros 4-0 on Thursday night to earn their passage through to the play-offs, but the club sit in 17th place in the Premier League and are in danger of relegation.

‘Juggling act’ – Could Europa League distract Forest in fight against relegation?

Video credit: TNT Sports

Nottingham Forest confirmed their place in the UEFA Europa League play-offs with a fine 4-0 win over Ferencvaros on Thursday night.

Sean Dyche's side finished 13th in the league phase, and will be rewarded by facing one of Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos in the play-offs.

A brace from Igor Jesus saw Forest through to continue their European run, but with the club sitting in 17th in the Premier League table, it is only natural to wonder if they are being spread too thinly across both competitions.

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Forest have to quickly turn their attention to Sunday when they welcome Crystal Palace to the City Ground and focus switches again to pulling away from the Premier League relegation zone.

They sit five points above West Ham in 18th, but the Hammers have had wins over Tottenham and Sunderland in their last two outings.

Speaking on The Goals Show following Forest's European victory, Ally McCoist and Fara Williams discussed whether their Europa League progress could be more of a curse than a blessing.

When asked if it could become a distraction from Premier League survival, McCoist responded: "It can. It can. I know it's a juggling act.

"I did say before the game, is it a good thing that their chances of making the top eight were slim? It might have been, because it takes a little bit of the emphasis off."

After their clash with Palace on Sunday, Forest travel to Leeds United and then host Wolves - all vital games.

Highlights: Jesus inspires Forest to BIG win in Europa League finale

Video credit: TNT Sports

Wolves have won just a single match in the league, whilst Forest beat Leeds earlier in the season and drew with Palace.

"The big game is Sunday," McCoist added. "Those next three games are absolutely imperative.

"But you can guarantee one thing, Dychey will be looking no further forward than that game on Sunday, and they'll be looking to continue the run that they're on.

Williams added: "That run of games there, it's key that they take points.

"Because the run of games after that, they've got City and Liverpool within that, so it's a really difficult run after that."

'It has not been easy' - Dyche

Forest boss Sean Dyche admitted that handling the travel and scheduling of the Europa League has been difficult as his side aim to balance it with the league.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Dyche said: "It has not been easy through various games, the schedule, planning, travelling and all that sort of stuff.

"To come out of a disappointing one in Braga and then to deliver that I am very pleased. I said last time I want them to lay a marker down and put constant doubt in my mind.

"It has been very difficult, but I am really pleased and I am pleased for the supporters as well to enjoy that."

'Laid a marker down' - Dyche pleased with Forest showing 'authority' in drubbing of Ferencvaros

Video credit: TNT Sports

James McAtee starred throughout Forest's impressive performance against the Hungarian side, and the former Manchester City playmaker scored a late penalty for his side's fourth.

"Pleased with him [McAtee] - we have been speaking to him trying to play with freedom," Dyche added.

"I thought Dan Ndoye was super sharp tonight. Some of the games hasn't been where he [McAtee] wants to be or where we want him to be. Tonight, he was and I am pleased for him. He has been putting the work in without a doubt.

"In all these games, particularly the Premier League, if your framework is not good you can get opened up, but it is equally coming off that to play with freedom. There have been good signs recently and good signs tonight."

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