Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman pleased changes were vindicated

Dougie Freedman was happy to secure a place in the FA Cup fourth round after fielding a new-look side in a 1-0 win over QPR at the City Ground.

The Scotsman made seven changes to his starting line-up and saw two of the players drafted into the side - Oliver Burke and Jamie Ward - combine to conjure up the only goal in the first half.

A powerful run and low shot from Burke was prodded home at the far post by Ward for his first goal of the season - and Freedman was full of praise for 18-year-old Burke, who he believes has vast potential.

Victory, though, came at a cost for the Reds who saw substitute Henri Lansbury carried off with a serious ankle injury.

"We are pleased under the circumstances, because we played a few players who have not played in a long time, in Gary Gardner and Chris Cohen and Oliver Burke, who was starting only his third game," said Freedman.

"Under the circumstances as well, when you consider the injury we had to Henri, we have to view it as a decent win against a decent Championship side. It is very pleasing to be in the next round, which was our objective at the start of the day." 

Forest took the lead when Ward finished off a move created by Burke and Freedman said the teenager was brimming with potential.

"He has a lot of learning to do, he is a player with real potential - but he is growing into a dangerous player for us," Freedman said.  

"He tired in the second half, as did one or two others. He is going to be a wonderful player for this club, as long as he keeps his feet on the floor and as long as I see him in the afternoon at the training ground, continuing to stay behind to do a bit of extra stuff.

"Fans want to see young players like him every week, but we have to keep a fine balance. We have to ensure that he continues to work hard during the week.

"If we can keep him fresh and get him running at people, he is going to be a big asset for us."