The veteran former Celtic star told the Nottingham Evening Post: "This is a big challenge getting this club out of this division.
"I had great times at Celtic and great success, but when I left I wanted to get my teeth into something else and have a competitive edge.
"It's the same scenario for Forest as it is for Celtic. You are the big fish and everyone wants a piece of you.
"You have to play to the top of your potential every week."