Star Metro - Pereira aiming to bring European glory back to Forest

Forest take on Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, aiming for a first continental trophy since Clough masterminded back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.

The match takes place against the backdrop of a Premier League relegation fight for Forest after a turbulent season, though a six-match unbeaten run in the league has eased their fears.

"If we want to put our name in the history of this club, we need to get to the final, to win the final," said Pereira, the fourth manager to lead Forest this season.

"This is, of course, an inspiration for us. This is a big chance to move forward.

"This week I went into the city centre and I saw the statue of the big manager of this club. I don't want my statue anywhere but we can imagine what he was in this city.

"He's in the city centre because he did something fantastic that stays in the heart of these people until now.

"For the new generations, for sure it's an inspiration for us. We try to do our best to work to emulate what he did."

Forest face a tough challenge in the last four against Villa, who are also looking to end a long trophy drought.

Villa boss Unai Emery has won four Europa League titles as a manager and the Birmingham club, fifth in the Premier League, are the favourites heading into the two-legged tie.

"I want to be there and to enjoy and to compete, because I like to compete," Pereira said. "I'll face a top, top manager with his team, the king of the Europa League, because he has four trophies.

"It will be a very great challenge for us. We have to compete with the true spirit of a champion."

T.Murray--SMC