Dean Henderson was the hero for Forest (Photo by Paul Greenwood – CameraSport via Getty Images)
If there was a negative to Nottingham Forest’s win against Wolves in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, it was the news that Dean Henderson will be ineligible to play in the semi-finals.
The England stopper was the hero in the penalty shootout as Forest progressed to the semi-finals.
Steve Cooper’s side will take on Manchester United, who beat Charlton 24 hours earlier to seal their place in the last four.
While Forest’s primary aim this season is clearly to survive in the Premier League, the club are currently on a 23-year trophy drought and would love to end it with the EFL Cup.
But, as it stands, Cooper will be without Henderson as EFL Cup rules stipulate that a player on loan cannot play against his parent club.
Henderson is on loan from United (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
However, Forest could appeal to United’s better nature by submitting a proposal to let Henderson play in the semi-finals.
United can grant permission for Henderson to play, allowing him to feature over the two legs.
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Cooper was questioned about the prospect of requesting permission from United today but insisted they will deal with the issue in due course.
‘I’m not sure about that but if there is it’s something we’ll look into pursuing but it’s all just talk at the moment,’ said Cooper.
‘We haven’t had a time to breathe since the game and we’ll pick that up as and when.’
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