91Èȱ¬

Manager Dougie Freedman believes Britt Assombalonga and Matty Fryatt returning to fitness could help Nottingham Forest make a bid for promotion.

The Reds are 15th in the Championship after's Monday's 0-0 draw at Blackburn.

Freedman told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Nottingham: "If you are going for promotion you need to string six or seven wins on the bounce.

"If we pick up points on the the road and capitalise at home, we could be in a position - once the firepower comes back - to mount a challenge."

Forest have been without long-term injury victims Assombalonga and Fryatt since last season and both are expected to be fit in the new year.

Midfielder Chris Cohen, who played for club's under-21 side on Monday, is very close to a return to first-team action.

After eight games without a win, Forest are now unbeaten in their last four matches, which has included two home wins and away draws at Wolves and Blackburn.

"We are gathering momentum and have come through a tough, tough spell," continued Freedman. "Now we have started to turn the corner and we are looking a real threat.

"We would like to win every game but we are very realistic and, after two good points on the road, lets hope we can capitalise on Saturday against MK Dons."