'Pereira has taken everything on board... nine unbeaten is a hell of a run'

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Legendary European Cup winner Garry Birtles says Vitor Pereira has "got Forest playing in a way he loves".

Forest are five points clear of the relegation zone, have not lost in nine games, and take a slender advantage to Aston Villa for next week's second leg of their Europa League semi-final.

"In the end, they just about shaded it," Birtles told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"Villa started the brightest but Forest weathered the storm really well. Both defences should be proud of themselves because they were solid and compact. It was just that penalty decision which changed the game.

"It was just a very good all-round performance from Forest - not extravagant, but effective.

"Chris Wood being back in the team is a huge boost. Playing two up front has confused defenders in the past three or four games because you don't often see two up front any more. The manager deserves great credit for that.

"Pereira has taken everything on board and has got Forest playing in a way he loves. Nine unbeaten is a hell of a run to be on at the moment.

"Pressure comes on you when you're in these moments so it's how you handle that. Hopefully Forest can learn from the end of last season and get over the line in these pressure moments in the Premier League and Europe.

"Any team playing the first leg of a semi-final at home will take any kind of lead for the second leg because the pressure is now on Villa to get back on the game."

Listen to the full chat from 07:20 on BBC Sounds