Lewis McGugan came off the bench to fire two spectacular goals and steer Nottingham Forest to an encouraging 3-1 win over Premier League Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon as pre-season stepped up a gear following a series of closed door friendlies.
This was the Reds first public outing under new manager of Sean O'Driscoll and Forest fans will have left the City Ground feeling a quiet sense of optimism especially as signing number five of the summer was completed beforehand.
***Monday morning update***Signing number six is set to be 21-year-old Spanish central defender Daniel Ayala on a season-long loan from Norwich City.
"Daniel is one we have talked to," confirmed O'Driscoll to the Nottingham Evening Post.
"There are a couple we are talking to at the minute. Although two clubs can agree things, a player has to want to come and play for you, too.
"I saw a lot of Daniel when he was at Hull and he would enhance the squad. He is a good footballer and a good character. We have made an approach, so we will see where it goes."