Davies praises McGugan's fitness

McGugan scored five goals for Forest last season

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies has hailed midfielder Lewis McGugan for returning to pre-season training in great physical condition.

McGugan was dropped from the Reds' first team in March after concerns over his lack of fitness.

But Davies told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I've got to say there's one or two I've been really impressed with.

"Lewis McGugan has lost a huge amount of weight and is looking very fit and ready, and very conditioned."

Forest began their pre-season programme last week for what will be Davies' first full season in charge at the City Ground.

I'm delighted with the response so far but there's such a long way to go Forest manager Billy Davies

The Scot added: "It will be very tough - it's all about getting these guys super fit and getting them in to a condition to be hopefully a force in this Championship.

"To do that we have to be at the right level of fitness. They know the situation and they've responded brilliantly.

"They've had a very good break over the summer and come back very fit. I'm delighted with the response so far but there's such a long way to go."