Forest coach Steve Cooper reveals why he started Awoniyi against Liverpool

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has opened up on why he started Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday, October 22.

The 25-year-old scored the only goal against his former side at the City Ground as Jurgen Klopp's side suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League.

The Super Eagles striker joined Forest in the summer transfer window from Union Berlin in the Bundesliga for a club record fee of 17.5 million euros.

Despite becoming the club's most expensive signing, Awoniyi has endured a difficult start to life in the PL as he has struggled to get game time.

Prior to Saturday's clash, the ex-Union Berlin striker had only managed 4 starts out of 12 Premier League outings for the newly promoted side.

Steve Cooper decided to field the Nigerian international in the starting XI against his former side this time and the decision paid off as he grabbed the game's only goal.

Speaking in a post-match interview, the Irish manager backed the club's marquee signing explaining that he started Awoniyi because he was aware of the danger he poses to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

“Taiwo worked so hard. We played him today as we thought he could be a handful for Virgil van Dijk,” Cooper explained.

“He really proved to be that and deserved his goal.

“If he didn’t celebrate, I’ll support whatever a player decides to do.”

The Illorin-born player was in the books of Liverpool for six years before he finally joined Union Berlin on a permanent deal in 2021.

Awoniyi has so far managed three Premier League goals for Forest this season.

WDN