Nuno Espirito Santo believes an FA Cup run for Nottingham Forest could boost their efforts to finish in the top four of the Premier League after they squeaked through to the fifth round on penalties.Nuno made 10 changes to the side that had thrashed Brighton 7-0 in Forest's previous league fixture as they set up a fifth-round tie against fellow Premier league side Ipswich.

Nottingham Forest needed penalties to overcome third-tier Exeter in the FA Cup. High-flying Forest which is third in the Premier League standings won 4-2 in a shootout at St James Park after the game ended 2-2.

Nottingham Forest survived a massive shock as they edged past 10 man Exeter City on penalties to set up a fifth round tie with Ipswich Town.

On preparing for the challenge of facing a side lower down the pyramid, Nuno said: "We have to get ready for that [big atmosphere with fans close to the pitch]. In these game it is important to try and to find simplicity and solve the problems in a simple way. Our talent and quality will show I hope."

Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, has praised Taiwo Awoniyi for his impressive performance in the Emirates FA Cup win over Exeter City. Awoniyi scored the Tricky Trees’ second goal in the fourth-round tie.