James Coppinger reveals Nottingham Forest frustration

On-loan Nottingham Forest winger James Coppinger has hinted that a lack of first-team opportunities may force him to leave the club in January.

The 31-year-old, who is on loan from Doncaster Rovers, was in the line-up for Saturday's defeat against Hull.

But Coppinger has only started two Forest games this season and there have been no talks about extending the deal when it runs out in the new year.

"I just want to play games and that's in the back of my mind," he said.

"We will re-assess come the end of December, start of January and see where we are at."

Coppinger, whose only previous start came in the defeat by Leeds United in September, said the formation Sean O'Driscoll's side are using was making it very hard for him to force his way into the team.

"From my perspective, the way that Nottingham Forest have been playing doesn't really suit the way I play," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"With Gilly [Simon Gillett] sitting and playing three central midfielders, it makes it harder for me to start games.

"I prefer to play on the wing. We have players that start in and play out, rather than start out and come in - that's the way I look at it.

"There are a lot of good midfield players here. You have to stay fit and focused and when the chance comes try to take and try to take it."

Coppinger admitted he had been frustrated by his lack of opportunities.

"For the last 10 years, I have averaged about 40 league games a season," he added.

"I knew it would be difficult to try to get a first-team start here and I have tried to change my mentality and work on my fitness and keep fit so if I do start I can do as well as I can.

"In the first half [against Hull], it was a matter of trying to get into the game and in the second half, I thought I looked a lot better and I felt a lot better.

"Hopefully, if I can get a few more starts, I can show the fans and players what I can do."