Forest are still not fully out of the woods

SOCCER:NOTTINGHAM FOREST boss Billy Davies has warned his side a play-off place could yet slip through their fingers.

Forest need just a point against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season at Selhurst Park today to seal sixth place. Davies’ side should even retain their play-off spot with a defeat, with Leeds, who travel to champions QPR, needing not just to make up a three-point deficit but also a six-goal swing to keep their season alive. Leeds putting five or six goals past Championship goalkeeper of the season Paddy Kenny seems unlikely.

“We don’t need to worry about what Leeds are doing at QPR if we look after our own concerns and what we’ve got to do,” said Davies.

“We can’t rely on anyone else and things to go for us elsewhere. We’ve got to make sure we work our socks off first and foremost, make sure our attitude is right and make sure there is no complacency because, quite simply, we’re not guaranteed anything yet.

“There’s still some work to be done and that’s the clear message to all the players.”

Leeds manager Simon Grayson has refused to give up on his side’s play-off bid. “If we can get a couple of early goals and Palace get a couple against Forest then who knows?” he said. “Will we have updates from Palace? No, but I’m sure if there’s anything to tell, the Leeds fans will let us know.

“Whatever happens, it’s been a good season. We’d have taken this at the start – but that’s not an excuse for not having a better opportunity this week. With three or four games left we had a great opportunity, that’s now a lot less, but we’ll still go there, give it our best shot and see what happens.”

United’s game in London will be overshadowed by the English FA hearing into the Alejandro Faurlin affair, the outcome of which could yet deny QPR a place in the Premier League next season.

“When we lift that trophy we want to lift it on the back of a win,” said QPR defender Bradley Orr yesterday. “It will be a phenomenal achievement. There will be feelings of happiness and emotion and the boys will be ecstatic to lift the Championship trophy and have the medals around their necks.”

Elsewhere, third spot is still up for grabs following Cardiff’s shock defeat to Middlesbrough last time out. The Bluebirds need a victory at Burnley to seal third place, with Swansea on hand to take advantage of any slip-up if they beat relegated Sheffield United.

Reading – who have a number of Irish players who would love to be in the Premier League next season, including Ian Harte (who also made the Championship team of the season) and Shane Long – are three points behind the Swans in fifth and host Derby.

Promoted Norwich – who include Irish striker and team of the season member Wes Hoolahan – bring the curtain down on a glorious season at home to Coventry.