Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman, has revealed that he is hoping for serious competition between Ben Hamer and Dorus de Vries, following the club's capture of Hamer on a season-long loan from East Midlands neighbours, Leicester City.
Hamer, who featured only eight times in the Foxes' Premier League campaign in 2014/15 after joining from Charlton Athletic, has been sent out to gain firstteam football with Leicester having healthy competition for the number one spot in Kasper Schmeichel and Mark Schwarzer. Hamer was given the green light by Leicester on Friday to search for a new temporary home with Forest swooping immediately to land their man.
Forest seem to have struck early with Hamer being on the radar of the club for a number of months. Freedman has cited Hamer’s “confidence” and “distribution” as key strengths for the 27-year-old, whilst also acknowledging Sporting Director Leon Hunter’s involvement in the deal. The Reds remain hampered by the Financial Fair Play embargo placed upon the club, with only loans or free transfers being allowed to join at present.
First Choice?
However, Hamer’s spot is not guaranteed with Forest boss Freedman stating to the Nottingham Post that he “needed competition” for de Vries following the Reds’ sale of first choice Karl Darlow.
Dutchman de Vries was superb in the friendly draw at the City Ground on Saturday against Swansea City, denying the Premier league outfit on a number of occasions.
Freedman went on to add that de Vries was “superb” against Swansea and with Hamer, the Reds will wait to see what condition he is in before making a decision about whether to play him in the forthcoming friendly against Aston Villa.
He also said that he “required 14 players” to give the club “real competition” in the challenge to gain promotion.
Fitness concern
In addition to Hamer potentially not being in shape for the Aston Villa clash, the club remain cautious about youth product Ben Osborn following a shoulder injury during the week. Osborn will not be risked against the Villains if he continues to suffer from soreness after missing out against Swansea.