Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has not given Gio Reyna much hope of improved game time despite the American's starring role for the USMNT.
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Reyna shows up big for USMNT in Nations League triumphNuno impressed but refuses to expand roleForest in drop zone after points deductionWHAT HAPPENED?
The 21-year-old dazzled as the Stars and Stripes swept Mexico aside for a third straight Nations League triumph on Sunday, but now returns to a relegation fight at a club where he has played just 41 minutes since arriving on loan from Borussia Dortmund in January.
With a four-point deduction for breaching financial rules dropping Forest into the relegation zone, fans are looking for a spark to save their Premier League status. But despite Nuno's delight at his international form, the manager would not commit to giving Reyna more opportunities as the season reaches its conclusion.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO SAID
Quizzed about Reyna's role in his Thursday press conference, Nuno said: "Very happy because he was man of the match [against Mexico] and he did very well, so we need all the players because we have hard work and we need all of them."
Pressed further on whether Reyna's role may expand, the Portuguese replied: "We're going to see more of everyone, because we need all of them. They are aware that now is not important to have any feeling of selfishness. It's about the team and if you play one minute, it's for the team."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Reyna looked like an interesting acquisition for Forest when they snapped him up on loan during the winter transfer window. But Nuno has leant on the more established options of Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and has even used Divock Origi in a wide position as the Garibaldi have laboured in the lower reaches of the table. Reyna has appeared as a late substitute on just three occasions and is yet to make a start.
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR GIO REYNA AND NOTTINGHAM FOREST?
While Forest's lawyers busily prepare their points deduction appeal, Reyna and company have a chance to move themselves out of the relegation zone with a huge game against Crystal Palace at the City Ground on Saturday.