James Ward-Prowse sets out West Ham and Nottingham Forest stance as loan clause kicks-in
by Sarah Clapson · NottinghamshireLiveNottingham Forest loanee James Ward-Prowse admits Saturday’s clash with parent club West Ham United will be a “strange” watch for him.
The midfielder is ineligible to feature for the Reds against the Hammers at the City Ground (3pm kick-off). And he quipped he will spend the game sitting on his hands as he observes from the stands.
Forest go into the fixture looking to continue their fine start to the campaign and make it three Premier League wins in a row. West Ham, on the other hand, have found the going a little tougher so far this season and currently sit in 13th place - six spots below Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
“The start's not been the best for them but it's still a squad full of Premier League-quality players who can hurt you at any moment,” Ward-Prowse said of his parent club in an interview on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast. "It's going to be a strange game watching it from a neutral perspective - I'll be sitting on my hands either way!"
Ward-Prowse linked up with the Reds on transfer deadline day in the summer. He will spend the season Trentside on a straight loan deal and has made four appearances so far.
The 30-year-old was an unused substitute for last Friday’s 3-1 win at Leicester City. He had missed the previous game - a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace - as he served a one-match suspension following his red card in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea prior to the last international break.
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“We are very happy with him. He immediately had a huge impact on the team and helped us,” head coach Nuno said ahead of this weekend’s fixture. “He settled down and unfortunately had the red card against Chelsea, but he has been working hard even when he is not involved.
“He cannot play against West Ham on Saturday but we are very happy with James. In terms of midfielders, when we have everybody (fit and available) it will be good. But for now, it has been very helpful.”