Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson says he is desperate to be back in the UEFA Champions League after playing in the competition for Newcastle United last season.
Anderson scored Forest's opening goal in their 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night that saw them reclaim third place.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Arsenal
ARS
|
33 | +34 | 66 |
| 3 |
Nott'm Forest
NFO
|
33 | +14 | 60 |
| 4 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
33 | +18 | 59 |
| 5 |
Man City
MCI
|
33 | +22 | 58 |
| 6 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
33 | +18 | 57 |
| 7 |
Aston Villa
AVL
|
33 | +6 | 57 |
"I'm desperate to be there again," said Anderson. "It was a really proud moment playing in the Champions League and to be honest I never thought I'd be playing in my first season away from Newcastle, but I think if we keep going the way we're going and do what we've done all season then I think we've got a good chance."
Forest entered Monday's match on the back of two straight league defeats, but their destiny is now back in their own hands after earning their ninth away win of the campaign, second only to the 11 of leaders Liverpool.
“It was really important to get back on track and do what we've been doing all season. Everyone in there is buzzing to get the three points,” added Anderson.
“It was really important to come out fast, to try and get that first goal. It set us in good stead for the game and obviously [Chris] Wood's second one was brilliant. It was just about holding on to the lead, really.”
Up next for Forest is Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, before returning to Premier League action next Thursday, when they host Brentford.
Former Forest striker Teddy Sheringham believes Nuno Espirito Santo's side can remain in the top five and secure a spot in next season's Champions League.
"Their confidence will be very high," said Sheringham. "The teams they're playing haven't got much to play for, so you'd like to think they would be able to overpower them with their determination to get results."
Sheringham's view was shared by former Liverpool and Manchester United forward Michael Owen.
"I do look at those fixtures and favour Nottingham Forest's," said Owen.
