Nottm Forest V Wigan at The City Ground - Match Preview

Dougie Freedman admits he is still pinching himself at becoming Nottingham Forest manager ahead of his first home game in charge.

The former Reds striker, who replaced Stuart Pearce last week, will be in the dug-out at the City Ground when his new side host Wigan on Wednesday night.

Freedman secured a 3-2 win at Brighton in his first match at the helm at the weekend and will be looking to repeat the trick on home soil.He told Forest Player: "I'm really looking forward to it

When I got the call last week I was so excited to come down here and talk to the chairman.

"To walk out at Brighton in front of over 1,800 Forest supporters was great but to do it at the City Ground on Wednesday night will be such an honour.

"I have to pinch myself when I think that I'm the manager of Nottingham Forest but it is a moment that I've worked very hard for over the years.

"It is going to be a massively proud moment for me and for my family, but I'm a professional manager and I've got to make sure that I concentrate on the job.

"We need to ensure that we don't get carried away by the result on Saturday and stay committed. I want to show the Forest fans that at home we're going to play with an increased quality and ability while we're on the ball.

"Having played here I know that the Forest supporters expect a certain quality of play. But having said that I also know that if the players give it their all and show passion for the jersey then the fans will get right behind them."

Freedman has been boosted by the news Chris Burke and Danny Collins have shaken off the minor knocks they picked up at Brighton.

Liam Ridgewell plays the final game of his loan spell for Wigan while boss Malky Mackay has drafted in another defender, Harry Maguire, on loan from Hull.

"We are losing Liam Ridgewell and it was important we moved fast to replace him," Mackay told the club's official website.

"Harry is someone I have admired for a long time and I thank (Hull manager) Steve Bruce for allowing him to continue his development with us.

"He's a powerful player with a lot of experience for his age and he fits the profile of the players we want to bring in; young, hungry and desperate to play."

Emyr Huws is out with an ankle injury while Chris Herd (Achilles) and former Forest defender James Perch (hamstring) are doubts.

Source : PA

Source: PA