Karim Ansarifard’s first goal of the season a big boost for Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest finally managed to secure a deal to bring in Karim Ansarifard on a free transfer. Forest initially agreed on a move for the former Olympiakos player way back in September. However, work permit issues delayed any official deal. Those problems were ironed out a couple of weeks ago and the World Cup striker is now a fully-fledged member of the Nottingham Forest squad.

He has made his debut, coming on as an 89th-minute sub against Sheffield United.

Of course, being fresh could be an issue for the player, with his last club game coming in August.

However, he has remained with the Iranian national team despite not playing and has featured in three games for his nation so far this season. The most recent of these appearances came against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday night.

Iran won 1-0 and, importantly for Forest fans, Ansarifard scored the winner. He lasted 77 minutes of the fixture, scoring his goal in the 50th. The striker picked up the ball from 25 yards, took on one man before rasping in a shot from the edge of the box.

Nottingham Forest will now hope he continues to impress and improve on his match fitness when Iran take on Venezuela tomorrow. If he can then start scoring goals at the City Ground he could prove to be a bargain arrival.