Nottingham Forest Martin O’Neill said he was delighted to see West Ham loanee Sam Byram back on the pitch but refused to discuss the defender’s long-term future. The on-loan Hammer started his first game since collecting a serious knee injury in August, at Sheffield Wednesday.
Byram’s season-long loan from West Ham has been badly impacted by that injury, with the player making just his second Championship start for the club at Hillsborough.
O’Neill said was happy to see Byram overcome his serious knee problem and return to action.
“I thought he did very well in the first half, particularly having been out for a very long time. I thought he might get tired in the game. But he saw it through,” said the Reds boss.
“He linked up and did very well in the first half, in the second he got tired and there were a few gaps that started to develop.
“But I was very pleased for him. He is back and I am delighted that he has fought his way back into contention.”
Asked about his long term future at Forest O’Neil said:
“I do not have any thoughts about that at this minute, I am just pleased to see him back playing because, when I first came in, I didn’t think we would see him this season,” he said. “So that is encouraging for him; great for him, in fact.