Thompson blow for Forest

Nottingham Forest manager Joe Kinnear’s centre-half crisis has deepened with the news John Thompson is set to for surgery.

The Republic of Ireland international has a dislocated shoulder and doctors have now recommended an operation to repair the damage.

Kinnear has already resigned himself to losing the services of fellow central defender Wes Morgan, who will be suspended for the opening two games of the season, as well as Michael Dawson who is scheduled for an operation on a groin problem.

Meanwhile, left-back Alan Rogers has been given a clean bill of health to face Wigan at the JJB Stadium on Saturday following his recovery from a broken toe.

Midfielder Paul Evans, who has also been struggling with a groin injury, should also feature at the weekend.