Dougie Freedman coy on play-off credentials ahead of Leeds match

Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman is looking ahead to this weekend’s tie against Leeds United after his side grabbed a fantastic win against promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.

Forest travel to Elland Road for their 3pm kick-off versus Leeds United on Saturday.

Freedman’s men sit only nine points behind the coveted play-off places, but the manager refused to talk about reaching the top six – at least before the match, anyway.

He said: “I’m just interested in if we can get the three points on Saturday.

“I believe if we set out right and we have a plan which we stick to as well as not conceding a goal in the first 20 minutes, I think we will win the game.”

The Scot then added: “Then I’ll look on Saturday night to see if we are making any ground up.”

With a number of top-of-the-table ties taking place over the weekend, a win could take Forest even closer to the play-offs.

Video: Could Forest push for the play-offs?

Also hoping for an important win at the weekend are Leeds United, who find themselves mid-table after an inconsistent start to the campaign.

Freedman is hoping his players can replicate their fine performance from last weekend at Elland Road.

Video: Freedman on the Middlesbrough performance

He said: “I think this will be a game where we will test their players defensively.

“We have done a lot of work this week to make  sure we have their strengths looked at.”

The manager then went on to single out Leeds’ Alex Mowatt, who he believes is their biggest goal threat.

He also gave an update on his players’ fitness ahead of the fixture, with both Danny Fox and Henri Lansbury back in full straining after sustaining knocks.

Matty Fryatt, however, is struggling to make the squad.