Simon Cox: Nottingham Forest striker not distracted by targets

Nottingham Forest striker Simon Cox is refusing to set himself goal targets this season.

The 26-year-old has scored just nine times in 53 appearances since joining Forest last term.

And while Cox has stuck twice in as many Championship matches this month, he is not getting carried away.

"If you set targets and don't hit them then you are disappointed with your performance throughout the season," he told BBC East Midlands Today.

The Republic of Ireland international's first goal in seven games to help the Reds end second-place Leicester's four game winning run earlier this month is the sort of impact he is desperate to make regularly at the City Ground.

His headed equaliser against league leaders Burnley on Saturday ensured Forest remain fifth in the table for Friday's match against Reading.

"Last year I got six goals but played the most consistent football I've ever played," Cox said.

"Was it a disappointing year? It was goal-wise, but not performance-wise.

"This year I hope to beat six goals and get into double figures, but if it's not possible and we challenge then I'd rather the team do well than [worry about] any personal accolades."

But success would be even more fitting for Forest's players this season after it was confirmed that captain Chris Cohen's season is over after suffering a knee injury in the draw with Burnley last week.

And Cox believes winning promotion to the Premier League without their skipper will demand everyone taking on more responsibility.

"He is a bigger part of it now than ever because we have to step up for him," he said.

"We will definitely try as hard as we can to do it for him. If we do something very, very good this year he will be the first up on the podium to collect his medal. We want to assist him to do that."