Nuno backs hat-trick hero Chris Wood to fire Nottingham Forest to safety

Asked if the 32-year-old could become prolific this season, new head coach Espirito Santo said: 'I think so, I really believe so.'

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has backed striker Chris Wood to build upon his hat-trick at Newcastle (Mike Egerton/PA)

Nuno Espirito Santo is backing striker Chris Wood to fire Nottingham Forest away from Premier League trouble after seeing him plunder a hat-trick to fell former club Newcastle.

The New Zealand international, who left Tyneside for the City Ground this summer having played his part in Newcastle’s top-flight survival fight two seasons ago, scored one goal for the Magpies in 20 appearances at St James’ Park, but trebled that on a memorable afternoon to secure a 3-1 Boxing Day win.