Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper reserves praise for Bristol City captain after performance

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has praised Bristol City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley for his performance at the City Ground on Saturday.

Bentley, who is enjoying a spell back in the side in the absence of Max O’Leary, was deemed the Robins’ best performer despite conceding two goals.

Early on in the match, the 28-year-old made saves to deny Djed Spence as well as his defensive partner Steve Cook from opening the scoring, as well as stopping Keinan Davi from finding the back of the net.

Eventually the goal was breached with Brennan Johnson opening the scoring thanks to a deflected strike before James Garner ensured victory for the Reds.

Cooper is all too aware of the qualities that Bentley possesses, having been unable to claim a win against City last year.

The Welshman can remember last year, Bentley putting in a solid performance against him in February, where City won 3-1 against Cooper’s then Swansea side, as well as the 1-1 draw earlier on in the season in October.

“We were worthy of a 2-0 win,’’ said Cooper to Nottinghamshire Live in his post-match press conference.

“It probably could have been more and should have been more. Bentley always seems to play well against my teams! As long as we’re creating though, I know we’ll score goals.”

Cooper’s opposition manager Nigel Pearson was in agreement that Bentley was one of his better performers, listing him, Robbie Cundy and Jay Dasilva as one of the only positives of what was a dismal day in the Midlands.

Defender Tomas Kalas had to leave the field due to injury, reducing them to ten men, with his position one that the club aren’t well stocked in when it comes to experience.

The defeat also extended the winless run on the road to four months with City suffering back-to-back defeats after losing to Coventry City last Tuesday.

Nigel Pearson’s side have a chance to put behind them their two consecutive defeats with the visit of Birmingham City to Ashton Gate on March 5.