Cotterill hopes to keep McCleary

Forest chief hopes winger signs new deal

By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo.   Last Updated: February 9, 2012 9:49pm

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Garath McCleary: Out of contract in the summer, but Steve Cotterill hopes to keep him

Sky Bet

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cotterill is hoping he can tie down Garath McCleary to a new deal at the club.

Winger McCleary is one of several players who will see their current deals expire in the summer.

Cotterill believes McCleary could have a key role to play for the remainder of the season as his side looks to pull clear of the Championship relegation zone.

The Forest chief is also keen to secure McCleary's future beyond the end of the season.

"I have been really pleased with him since I came here. I think the boy is a talent," said Cotterill. "He has been exceptional.

"He is a fantastic boy and he does very well. Hopefully it will stay that way and we can get him tied down.

"I would like to keep quite a few of the players who are out of contract and he is definitely among those."