Steve Cooper couldn’t hide his frustration that Nottingham Forest will likely be without Dean Henderson for their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
The 25-year-old, who is spending the season on loan at the City Ground from Manchester United, proved to be the hero in Forest’s quarter-final penalty shootout win against Wolves last night.
Forest beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw to set up a last-four tie with Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils.
The one-time England international saved Ruben Neves’ spot-kick before denying Joe Hodge’s effort.
Steve Cooper issues his response to Dean Henderson likely being ruled out of Carabao Cup semi-final tie
As per rules of loan agreements, the parent club loaning out the player have the right to determine whether that said player cannot play against them.
Rule 6.3 on the Carabao Cup website states: “Players registered on a temporary basis will not be eligible to play unless the Club holding his full registration gives its written consent.”
Henderson was delighted to have played such an important part in Forest reaching the semi-finals and he posted on Instagram following the cup tie.
The Manchester United Academy graduate’s post read: “City Ground I love you!! Through to the semis. Let’s go.”
Following Forest’s dramatic win against Wolves, Cooper revealed that news of Henderson likely being ineligible for the two semi-final legs against the twenty-time league champions “put a dampener” on Forest’s win.
Speaking via BBC Sport, Cooper said: “I have only just thought of that, it is frustrating.
“After seeing the night he had tonight, he was excellent in the penalty shootout, but he was good in the game, more than good in the game.
“It’s unfortunate. He’s part of our group, he is so invested in the group and how we work, what we’re trying to accelerate in terms of what we want to become.
“To do that you need a really good goalkeeper. Not only is he committing as a goalkeeper, he is buying into being in the city and the greater good of the club.
“It has put a dampener on it for me tonight.”
With Henderson set to be unavailable to face his parent club, Wayne Hennessey looks set to deputise and face United in the semi-finals.