'Mentally consistent' - Pereira outlines Forest's key trait

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Vitor Pereira says Nottingham Forest have been "mentally consistent" and the trait is proving key in them developing an unbeaten run.

The Reds are six games without a loss in all competitions, culminating in Thursday's fine win over Porto to reach the last four of the Europa League.

Sunday, however, brings the visit of Burnley - a crucial fixture which could haul Forest further away from the bottom three.

They currently sit three points clear and, asked if this is a "must-win" game by BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray, Pereira said: "This is not about words, speeches. It's about going there to fight, play, have confidence and have the energy of our supporters. To play together against Burnley.

"Six games without losing means we are consistent. I am not talking tactically, as tactically we are changing a lot - players, the system - we need to change. But, in the end, we are in this moment consistent mentally. This is the most important, to be mentally consistent, to compete and compete again until the last game."

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Burnley have one win in 12 in all competitions and have no realistic margin for error if they are to pull themselves back from the relegation brink given their 12-point gap to safety.

Pereira expects some fitness challenges for the fixture given Thursday's night's intense encounter with Porto but he insists the significance of the victory plays a role.

"I believe that the recovery is easier when we win," he explained. "The motivation is different, the spirit is different. I will see happy players and it's easier to recover and prepare.