SKIPPER Tommy Elphick has warned that rejuvenated Nottingham Forest striker Matt Derbyshire has more than one reason to continue his fine fettle at Dean Court.

Forgotten man Derbyshire’s four goals in three Championship outings have helped to fire the City Ground side back into play-off contention under caretaker manager Gary Brazil with new boss Stuart Pearce watching from the stands.

The former Olympiakos frontman faces an uncertain future with his contract due to expire at the end of the season and with Pearce set to take charge from July 1, Elphick predicts Derbyshire and Forest will have plenty to prove, irrespective of the fight for the top six.

Cherries’ captain told the Daily Echo: “Forest have not only got the play-offs to go for but their new manager has apparently been at every game. They will be looking to impress.

“They have us and Brighton to play so they’ll be up for causing an upset with one or two people writing them off a few weeks ago.

“Derbyshire looks revitalised after spending much of the season on the bench.

“He suddenly has a clean slate with a new manager, a fresh approach and looking at the way he has played, he clearly wants to be a part of their future.

“They have other good young players getting the accolades there at the moment so it’s not just Derbyshire we’ll have to be aware of, but we have done our research and will be well prepared as always.”