In a season where the Reds have struggled in front of goal the 24-year-old has often been the man most likely to make a breakthrough and he woke up to national headlines on Wednesday morning after running riot at Elland Road.
While McCleary admitted he was still in something of a 'daze' his team-mate Blackstock was full of praise, saying: "He has been our main man and has helped get us out of the problems we have been in.
"He has scored some very important goals and some great goals."
Forest look to move over the 40-point barrier on Saturday when they entertain Brighton & Hove Albion at the City Ground.