Lambasting the Forest hierarchy for failing to back Billy Davies with new signings, despite the club's lofty league position, it is the left-back slot that is worrying Birtles the most. "Sure, you can play Chris Cohen there, but then you lose his influence in midfield," he told the Nottingham Evening Post after Nicky Shorey's deadline day loan move to Fulham. "James Perch will give 100% in every position he plays in, but he is not a left back. "There is also Joel Lynch – but none of them are the same calibre as Shorey."