Nottingham Forest's promotion hopes have been dealt a blow after Aston Villa recalled Nicky Shorey from his loan spell at The County Ground.Shorey has played a key role in helping Forest to second in the Championship table but Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been forced to recall the left back following an injury to Stephen Warnock.

Nottingham Forest's promotion hopes have been dealt a blow after Aston Villa recalled Nicky Shorey from his loan spell at The County Ground.

Shorey has played a key role in helping Forest to second in the Championship table but Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been forced to recall the left back following an injury to Stephen Warnock.

Shorey was on the bench for Villa's 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday but Forest are likely to go back in for the player once Warnock shrugs off a shin injury.